On January 24, 2012, the North Hunterdon-Voorhees Board of Education approved a resolution to move its School Elections to coincide with the general election in November, which is now an option through a new law (P.L.2011, c.202). This action will be in effect for four years. The following provides information on the new law:
On January 17, 2012, Governor Chris Christie signed into law a bill that allows Boards of Education to move their School Elections from April to November to coincide with the general election. The law stipulates that if a Board of Education chooses to move its School Elections to November:
- Board of Education members would be selected by voters on the November ballot, and
- A vote will not be required on the district’s budget tax levy, which would continue to be held to the state mandated 2% cap on increases. The district’s budget must receive final approval from the Executive County Superintendent and Executive County Business Administrator. If additional funds are needed for a specific project or program that would exceed a 2% tax levy increase, a separate question would be presented for voter approval on the November ballot.
Conversely, if a Board of Education chooses to leave its School Elections in April, Board members and the budget tax levy will be voted on by the public, the same as has been done in the past.
As the North Hunterdon-Voorhees Board of Education has approved the movement of School Elections to November, Board members whose terms were expiring in April 2012 will now serve until the Reorganization meeting that will take place the first week in January 2013 (unless they are re-elected for another term in the November elections).
This new law is part of Governor Christie’s education reform agenda. Moving School Elections to November will save school districts money on election costs as the majority of the general election costs will be covered by the state or county. In addition, November elections attract a far greater number of voters than School Elections in April. For instance, approximately 19% of Hunterdon County voters participated in the last School Elections whereas about 80% voted in the last presidential election (typically around 50% vote in a non-presidential election year).
As in years past, information regarding the North Hunterdon-Voorhees District’s budget will be posted on the district website when it is available. The district’s public budget hearing will be held on March 27, 2012 at 7:00pm in the North Hunterdon High School library. The North Hunterdon-Voorhees District remains committed to providing a high quality education for all of its students while remaining truly fiscally responsible.
Open Board of Education seats will be posted around May for the November 6, 2012 election. Nominating petitions will be due by the date of the June primary election.
Here are some Frequently Asked Questions that were released by the NJ Department of Education: http://www.state.nj.us/education/finance/fp/dwb/PL2011c202FAQ.pdf