Get educated, then go vote in school election

EDITORIAL: School budget deserves voters’ support

By:
   Tuesday, the polls will be open from 2 to 9 p.m. for voters to decide the fate of the school budget.
   The district is seeking approval to spend $93.8 million for the 2005-06 school year, an increase of 4 percent from the current school year.
   While some may want to see flat budgets, we have to commend the board for crafting a plan that satisfies the district’s growth (yes, it’s still growing — just not as quickly as in years past), while meeting a state law that can only be described as "miserly."
   State law S1701, which reduces the amount of surplus school districts can withhold and caps the growth of spending in many areas, is a blunt instrument attempting to do microsurgery.
   But it is the law, and it’s impressive that Superintendent of Schools Karen Lake has been able to craft a budget plan that walks the line between all of the district’s needs so well.
   Unlike many years when board meeting after board meeting struggled to reduce spending, as residents lined up one after another to challenge changes to programs, this year’s debates were remarkably focused and fruitful.
   In the end, the district devised a plan we feel is worthy of voters’ support.
   But residents should review all of the information regarding the school budget and candidates available before deciding how to vote. Read the letters to the editor, talk to your neighbors and visit the state Education Department schools report card Web site (www.state.nj.us/education) to review the district’s goals, results and spending.
   Also on the ballot Tuesday will be a special question regarding the expenditure of $261,416 for various items forced out of the budget, in part, by S1701.
   Learn all you can; then decide.
   Four residents — Michael Detsis, Neil Hudes, David Kanaby and Wolf Schneider — are seeking election to three seats on the Board of Education. Read about the candidates and talk to your neighbors about the candidates.
   Think about the board and then decide.
   And after deciding, vote.
   Everyone has a stake in the school district and should take the time to vote Tuesday.