Chatham School Board 'Exploring' Election Move, Set to Vote Monday

It’s been three years since Governor Chris Christie approved legislation that allows school boards in New Jersey to move April elections to coincide with the general election in November, and over that time, 97-percent of the state’s districts have done so.

One that has not, however, is the Chatham School District.

But that all may change on Monday, Oct. 5.

“We have all been discussing this topic on and off for the last three years,” said Chatham School Board President Jill Weber. “Back in April [board member Richard] Connors asked the administration to provide the board with updated information regarding what other districts have done in the past three years.

“No single board member proposed the move,” Weber continued. “But Mr. Connors started up the conversation again.”

An upside to joining elections is the cost savings, which can be as high as $10,000 annually for districts who keep their votes in April.

A downside, according to many opponents of the move, is the inability for residents to vote on a school budget each year. Voters are still able to choose board representatives, however.

Regardless of when the vote takes place, school districts in New Jersey are bound by a two-percent tax levy cap, meaning a new budget cannot increase taxes by more than two-percent over the previous year.

If for whatever reason a district does so, the additional expenditures are put to a vote by the residents if the election is held in November. Keeping the election in April will allow residents to vote on the budget, no matter what the tax increase is proposed.

If Chatham’s school board does decide to move the election it would not take effect until 2016. The board needs a majority, or five votes, to approve the move. If approved, the district locks in the November election schedule for four years before having the ability to change it back to April.

“Three years ago the board decided to wait and see how the move impacted other districts,” Weber said. “Three years later, 521 districts have moved and we would like to explore if this is right for Chatham. One positions is there are so many uncertainties regarding health care costs or unfunded state mandates and locking in the 2% increase provides some certainty and ensures the school districts have the financial resources needed to maintain current class sizes and maintain the current curriculum in place.”

The meeting will be held at 7:30 p.m. at 58 Meyersville Road in Chatham on Monday, Oct. 5 and is open to the public.