School Board Mulling Move To November Elections

The Board of Education is mulling whether to move its annual elections to November under a bill signed by Gov. Chris Christie on Tuesday.

The law allows school districts to move their board member elections from April to November, when national and statewide elections are held.

Boards that make the move also do not need to present the district's budget for voter approval if it does not exceed the state-mandated 2 percent tax levy cap.

If the levy exceeds the 2 percent cap, it would need voter approval. Budgets will still require approval from the Commissioner of Education.

Board of Education President John Tavis said during Tuesday's board meeting that the panel has not made a decision on whether to move the elections, but would do so soon.

"The board could have voted on this tonight,'' Tavis said. "But the board wanted to give the community time to make themselves familiar with the bill. However, we want you to be informed that we will be making a decision shortly.''

The elections can be moved, however, without board consent, according to the legislation. The Township Committee could pass a resolution moving the elections or a public petition could also force the move.

Voters rarely pass a school district budget in Wall. Prior to last year's budget, voters defeated every budget dating back to 2000.