Long Branch BOE Considering Moving School Elections to November

The Long Branch Board of Education (BOE) will reportedly make a decision on whether it will move school elections to November by next week's meeting.

Long Branch School District Communications Officer Walter O'Neill said the BOE could make a decision on the school's "path" by the Jan. 25 meeting.

Gov. Chris Christie on Tuesday signed new legislation that allows local school board elections to be moved from April to November. 

The legislation states that the date of the school election can be moved to November upon the adoption of a resolution by the board of education or the governing body.

The bill also potentially eliminates the ability of the public to vote on school district budgets, should they stay within the state-mandated 2 percent spending cap.

According to a release from the governor's office, "A district that has moved its annual school election to November would not require voter approval for a base budget, but any proposal to exceed the 2 percent tax levy cap would be presented for voter approval in November."

"District board members elected in November would take office at the beginning of January," the release states.

Patch will keep you posted on whatever decision the board reaches at its meeting next week which is scheduled for Jan. 25 at 7 p.m. at Long Branch Middle School Auditorium at 7 p.m.