Wednesday: School Budget, Board Election Now Up to Voters; Guild's Film Festival Premieres

1) The polls will be open from 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. for all voting-eligible Ridgewood residents to cast their ballots for both the school budget (with a local taxpayer-supported levy of $81,323,178) as well as two three-year school board seats. If passed, the budget will see mark an increase to the average homeowner assessed at $797,422. School taxes will jump to $190.90 more than last year but the budget will have no cuts in staffing or programming and is at the allowable 2 percent "Christie cap." Superintendent Dr. Daniel Fishbein has said if the budget doesn't pass, it's likely to mean staff cuts, which had thus far been avoided. The cost drivers are largely due to rising energy and health care, pension costs, the district has said. Should the budget fail like last year, the council will have the opportunity to suggest further cuts, as it sets the tax levy.

Incumbents Laurie Goodman and Sheila Brogan are taking on CRR-backed Christina Krauss on Wednesday.

The 11 polling places for the 19 districts will be open throughout the day in the village. Results are likely to be finalized by 10 p.m. We'll keep you up to date on School Election Day.

2) Filmmakers, actors and the community will be out for the premier of The Ridgewood Guild's , which should draw hundreds to the movie theater downtown. The various films will run from 6:00 p.m. to 10 p.m. Tickets are $12.

3) A Mano will be featuring a special deal on pizza with an all-you-can-eat challenge. all-you-can-eat pizza extravaganza, will be held every Wednesday evening at A Mano, beginning April 13th. A combination of four pizzas will be there to choose from. Kids eat for $7.50 if under 10 years of age; others pay $15.

4) The boys varsity tennis team will be playing Fair Lawn HS at 4:15 p.m., as will the baseball team The golf team will play Indian Hills on Wednesday.

5) While you're out and about voting and checking out films, remember there may be a chance of showers throughout the day, though with a high of 76 and a probability of precipitation only at 30 percent, the weather may stay in favor. Bring a rain coat just in case.