Voters in East Windsor and Hightstown get their say Tuesday on a proposed 2009-2010 East Windsor Regional school budget that would have little effect on township residents but cause some pain at tax time for those in the borough.
The $83.2 million financial document would put the school tax rate in the borough at $1.65 cents per $100 of assessed property value, which translates to $4,463 in school taxes for a homeowner assessed at the borough average of $270,500.
The township school rate, if the budget were approved, would stand at $3.47, or $4,640 in school taxes for a homeowner assessed at the township average of $133,719. That is an increase of slightly less than 1 cent in the tax rate.
A year-to-year comparison of the rate change in the borough is a matter of conjecture because of a recent boroughwide tax revaluation.
The budget includes 15 fewer staff positions, with most or all of the reductions accomplished through attrition, according to Superintendent Ron Bolandi.
The spending plan represents an increase of 3.42 percent, from about $80.4 million in the 2008-2009 school year.
There are three school board candidates running uncontested Tuesday for three open seats representing the township.
Incumbents Kennedy Paul and Bruce Ettman are seeking re-election, and first-time candidate Paul Connolly is seeking election to a seat being vacated by James Hauck.
Mr. Ettman, an attorney, is a former board president and is seeking his fifth term. He was first elected in 1997.
Mr. Paul was tapped in February 2006 to fill a seat vacated by Stu Dolgon. He won a full three-year term in April 2006.
Mr. Connolly did not return a call seeking comment.

