April 27 Is Here: Your Guide to the Jefferson Township School Elections

THE BUDGET

The Big Numbers: The school board is proposing a 2011-2012 budget of $52,939,229, with a local tax levy of $35,131,038. The tax rate would be $1.28 per $100 of assessed value. There is no change to the proposed tax levy from the 2010-2011 budget.

What It Means for Your Tax Bill: If your home is assessed at the municipal average of $319,862, that tax rate of $1.28 translates to a yearly bill of $4,094 (not counting municipal and county taxes, which are set separately). There would be no change from the 2010-2011 budget.

What It Means For School Programs: Officials say no significant cuts are expected this year. But programs eliminated in 2010-2011, such as an elementary school guidance counselor and non-competitive field trips, wouldn't be restored under this budget.

Impact of the Tax Cap: For the first time, tax levies for school budgets are only typically allowed to grow up to 2 percent year-over-year. The law putting that cap into effect, however, allows certain exceptions for expenses such as healthcare and pension contributions. Even with those costs included, the tax levy is set to stay under the cap, with no increase.

The History: Not very good. A budget has not passed in Jefferson for the past seven years.

What Happens if Voters Shoot Down the Budget: It'll next go to the township council for review. The council can then make cuts, which it would send back to the school board to implement. The council gets to decide how much money comes out of the plan; the school board gets to decide where that money comes from.

How To Learn More: Our previous coverage is a good place to start. See

THE SCHOOL BOARD RACE

In the Running: There are 11 candidates vying for three seats on the board. They are: , , , , Paul J. Hartle, James Hines, , , e and.

The Big Issues: One of the biggest issues facing the candidates is the loan the current board is into administrative office space.

WHERE AND WHEN TO VOTE

Polls will be open from 2 p.m. to 9 p.m. on April 27. Locations are as follows:

DISTRiCT

LOCATION

01

Jefferson Township Health Center, 57 Minnisink Road, Lake Hopatcong

02

Jefferson Township Health Center, 57 Minnisink Road, Lake Hopatcong

03

Jefferson Township Health Center, 57 Minnisink Road, Lake Hopatcong

04

Camp Jefferson, 81 Weldon Road, Lake Hopatcong

05

Camp Jefferson, 81 Weldon Road, Lake Hopatcong

06

Camp Jefferson, 81 Weldon Road, Lake Hopatcong

07

Municipal Building, 1033 Weldon Road, Oak Ridge

08

Municipal Building, 1033 Weldon Road, Oak Ridge

09

Municipal Building, 1033 Weldon Road, Oak Ridge

10

Milton First Aid Squad, 45 Milton Road, Oak Ridge

11

Milton First Aid Squad, 45 Milton Road, Oak Ridge

12

Jefferson Township Senior Center, 54 Schoolhouse Road, Oak Ridge

13

Jefferson Township Senior Center, 54 Schoolhouse Road, Oak Ridge

14

Milton First Aid Squad, 45 Milton Road, Oak Ridge