By: Nick D’Amore
Three newcomers were sworn in as members of the Board of Education at its reorganization meeting Monday.
Matthew Speesler, Barry Nathanson and Martin Abschutz will take over for Gail Barcelo, Marci Abschutz and Bryan Laurita, who all decided not to seek re-election.
Dr. Speesler, who served on the board from 1998-2001, received the most votes in the April 16 election, taking home 1,722. Mr. Nathanson, who is also the Zoning Board of Adjustment chairman, received 1,606 votes and Mr. Abschutz received 1,493 votes.
Joan Puchalski came in fourth with 1,179 votes.
A $98.15 million budget also was approved by a margin of almost 2 to 1, with 1,712 voters supporting it. The budget will increase taxes 5.7 percent, with the tax rate going up 10 cents to $1.85 per $100 of assessed valuation.
That means the owner of a house valued at the township average of $185,000 will pay $3,422 in school taxes, an increase of $185.
