Board Votes to Move School Elections to November

The East Brunswick Board of Education voted Thursday to move school elections from April to the General Election in November.

“Nothing is perfect, but on the balance this is a very good thing for us,” said school board member Susan R. Karp.

Board members said the move would mean taking advantage of the larger turn out at General Elections, all day polling hours, money saved by combining the school and General Election, and giving voters a clearer picture of why the board is asking to spend over the 2 percent cap.

That means school budgets that don’t exceed the cap would not go to voters. However, anything that does exceed the cap would be placed on the November ballot as a special question. Funds attached those questions would not be used until (or if) they are approved in November. However, the district’s base-line budget would still be available in June, as it is now.

Dr. Karp said having everything that exceeds the cap posed as a second question would make things easier for voters to understand what “extra” funds the district is requesting and why.

“I really think it clarifies things for people who are voting,” she said.

Some board members were hesitant to make the change because it would take several months for the district to see over-the-cap money it requests, which could be a problem in the event of an emergency. However, Giacobbe said there are several mechanisms at the board’s disposal for such events, including bonding.

“My concern is, what if we have an extraordinary event and need it as far as coverage, then what?” said board member Brad Cohen.”

In addition, school board members who would have been up for re-election this April will now see their terms extended to the end of the year, with the board holding a reorganization meeting in January 2013.

The bill allows the move if it's approved by either the school board or municipal body, or by a a petition by 15 percent of residents. Giacobbe cautioned board members Thursday that if they didn't make the decision, the Township Council, which meets Monday, could make the decision on it's own. However, when reached by the East Brunswick Patch during the meeting, Council President Michael Hughes said the council had no immediate plans to change school elections.

"The council deliberates a lot more on issues like this. We definitly won't be voting on this Monday," he said via telephone and during a recess in the meeting.