Long Branch School Elections Moved To November

The Long Branch Board of Education (BOE) is the next in the long line of New Jersey boards that have chosen to move school elections to November. 

The BOE unanimously voted to move school elections to November during its meeting on Wednesday night.

Long Branch Superintendent Michael Salvatore said the county superintendent advised districts that this was the best course of action and that he and the BOE agreed.

Gov. Chris Christie, last week, signed new legislation that allows local school board elections to be moved from April to November. 

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."

Long Branch's school budget has shown a zero percent increase the last two years, but it remains to be seen if that will be the case in 2012.

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

The resolution passed by the BOE states that the change in election date will remain in effect for four years.

The resolution also states that the board believes there will be a higher voter turnout in November than during the April elections.

"The higher level of participation will foster positive interest in our public schools," the resolution says.