NEW EGYPT: Plumsted moves school election to November

By Charley Falkenburg, The Packet Group
   NEW EGYPT — The Plumsted Board of Education unanimously voted to move school elections to November at the Feb. 8 meeting at the New Egypt High School.
   Business Administrator Sean Gately said the factors involved with the decision involved costs, voter turnout and not having a vote on the school budget. He added there was no discussion prior to the resolution.
   The Plumsted school election is locked into that November date for four consecutive years.
   A November election is expected to increase voter turnout and save the district money. Residents will not be able to vote on the budget if it stays within the 2 percent property tax cap, but can vote on any second questions if the cap is exceeded.
   Also, current board member terms will be extended for eight months until the Board of Education reorganization meeting in January 2013.
   The bill the Assembly passed Jan. 10 gives voters, municipalities or school districts the power to combine school and government elections.
   Local governments and school districts have been evaluating the benefits, disadvantages and repercussions of making this pivotal move.
   Decisions must be made by a Feb. 17 deadline.