Annual School Board and Budget Election

            April 15, 2008

On Tuesday, April 15, School Board positions and local school budget proposals will be on the ballot statewide.  The decisions made by voters will have a direct impact on the quality of education provided to the children in the community.

 You will be asked to choose candidates to fill three Board of Education seats.  Board members oversee the operations of the school on behalf of the citizens of the district.  The job of the Superintendent is to run the schools.  The job of the Board is to see that the schools are well run.  The Board sets goals, makes policies, negotiates contracts with employee unions and reviews and deliberates over the proposed budget.

 You will be asked to approve a property tax levy amount to support the elementary school budget. The budget is a blueprint for the entire education program.  It addresses all aspects of your child’s educational experience, including academics, extra-curricular activities and transportation.  In developing this budget, the Board has balanced the need for fiscal restraint at a time of increased demand.  Rising insurance and utility costs, and increasing state and federally mandated programs have had an impact on operating schools.  The school board is pleased to announce that all programs established through the successful passage of last year’s separate proposal can be retained.

 When the voters approve this budget, they enact the district’s financial plan for the next school year.  If the voters reject the proposed budget, it is sent for review to the municipal governing body, the Township Committee. That municipal body may leave the budget as it is or make suggestions of program areas to be cut.  A defeated budget may signal the Township Committee that the few discretionary items, such as extracurricular activities, should be eliminated.

 Details of the 2008-2009 proposed budget are available to the public.  A summary of the Lebanon Township School District’s budget was published in the Hunterdon County Democrat and was discussed at a public budget hearing on March 19.  Information about the budget is also available from the Board of Education office (638-4521.).  

 I encourage you to vote on April 15.  Your vote does count!  In the past, as few as 11 votes have decided elections in the Lebanon Township School District.   Please make your voice heard.  Voting will take place at the First Aid Squad Building on West Hill Road from 3 – 9 PM.   

Judith Burd, Superintendent