Board members take request to township
By:Donna Lukiw
Although the $261,416 separate spending budget was defeated by voters on April 19, Board of Education members are not giving up on the plan.
Board members met with Township Committee members Tuesday to discuss a way of either getting all or some of the funds that were previously rejected.
"Both parties are required to meet to discuss the separate spending proposal," Assistant Superintendent of Business Tom Venanzi said. "The options for the Township Committee are to restore in total, partial or nothing. Whatever decision they make is final."
The school district was looking to spend $261,416 to buy 150 computers, add athletic programs and intramural sports at Auten Road, Hillsborough Middle School and Hillsborough High School. Voters rejected the plan by a vote of 1,957 to 1,574.
Board of Education members Chris Pulsifer and Steve Sloan, along with Superintendent Karen Lake and Mr. Venanzi, met with Township Committee members Steven Sireci and Paul Drake and Township Administrator Kevin Davis to discuss the future of the proposal to raise $261,426 for computers and athletic programs.
School officials wanted to answer any questions or concerns that the committee might have had about the second question. The Township Committee will discuss the board’s request at Tuesday’s meeting at 7:30 p.m. in the municipal building courtroom..
"It is now in the hands of the Township Committee," Mr. Sloan said. "We answered all of their questions."
Mr. Sloan said the committee members asked about the possibility of grants or private contributions that could help offset the projected $12 increase in taxes for the year for the owner of a property assessed at $350,000 would pay for the plan. Board members said there are none at this time.
The amount is in addition to the $262 increase approved by voters for the regular school budget.
He also noted there is no appeal to the commissioner of education if the committee decides against the plan.
"We will now await their decision," Mr. Pulsifer said. "We will be available to them if they have need of more information or assistance, but otherwise the next step is for the Township Committee to make their decision."

