On Thursday, February 9, the Board of Education passed a resolution to move the School Board Elections to November after an 8 to 1 majority vote and heavy support from public participants, in addition to a lengthy debate at a regular meeting two weeks ago. Betty Ann Woerner, who has served on the Board for nine years was the only vote opposed, although other members expressed concerns.

BOE President Trip Whitehouse opened the meeting by recapping the Board’s discussion at the last meeting and explaining what passing a resolution to move the election would mean for the community. For the full report on last meeting’s extensive discussion of these points, read here.

Moving the election would mean that the public would no longer have the opportunity to vote on the budget unless it exceeds the two percent cap. In that case, the public would have to vote on the budget in the November election. If passed, the change will remain in effect for four years.

While many members expressed concern about taking away the public’s opportunity to vote, the possibility that BOE elections would be politicized or that others would be deterred to run in November. One of the most poignant items that contributed to the Board’s decision to move the election revolved around district savings.

“The last School Board election cost this district $33,000,” Whitehouse said. “That cost would go away if election moves. As more districts move to November, the cost can only rise… as of an hour ago, 16 out of 19 districts in Union County have already made the decision to move to November. By the end of this evening, it could just be us.”

The majority of those who chose to publicly participate last night could not overlook the added cost the district would face if the resolution did not pass. Fanwood resident Michael Lewis was the sole participant who opposed the move.

“I am constantly hearing this Board and the administration say, ‘our hands are tied.’ Dr. Hayes complained about the Anti-Bullying law, but it was a school district in Warren that led the charge and got it declared an unfunded mandate. Where were we?…  If you take away our vote, what is left? How will you communicate with the electorate?” Lewis stated.

Former BOE President, Judy Dillon reflected on the BOE calculation that moving elections to November would shift voter participation in SPF from 18 to 44 percent.

 “You are always complaining that more people need to get out and vote in the School Board election. An election in November will get those people to the polls… I strongly believe that this is the right move,” she said.

Dillon went on to respond to BOE fears that a November election would politicize the Board. “You’re an elected official, you are political. If you vote down any kinds of savings you are going to get faulted for not taking this opportunity to save money for the tax payers.”

Al Reese stated that as BOE member for six years, he fully supports the move to November. Community member, Cindy Warren urged the BOE to “go for it,” stating that the public will still have the opportunity to attend public hearings and learn about the budget.

Gail Moser of Fanwood stated that she has been involved in the district for 30 years and remembers a time when the budget was voted down year after year.

“Worrying that the budget will be defeated puts a strain on the kids and on the administration. I strongly support a move to November,” Moser stated.

After the public participation portion had ended, the BOE expressed their final comments before a vote.  

“My biggest struggle with this decision was removing a vote from the people. I reconciled this knowing that budget is still reviewed by the County Superintendent. This is my fifth year as President. We are pretty open to what the public has to say. That won’t change. We will still strive for inclusivity and try to foster nonthreatening atmosphere where you can be heard,” Whitehouse said.

BOE members Amy Winkler and Douglas Layne each expressed that with 16 districts in Union County moving to November, the district simply could not afford to keep the election in April.

“We can’t in good conscious keep the elections in April – it would equate to the salary of the teacher. We can’t afford it,” Winkler said.

 “At first, I was undecided and concerned because I have seen other BOEs that vote on party lines and see a seat as stepping stone to town council,” BOE Vice President Nancy Bauer said. “In the end, I will put my faith in the community, knowing that we will work hard to maintain common commitment to the needs of our schools without devolving into politics.”

Betty Ann Woerner maintained a strong point of opposition.

 “I am still torn.  An election in November will turn into a popularity contest. That will be very unfortunate for the children and administrators. The BOE has to make unpopular decisions. Will a new member do that?” Woerner said.

After the resolution had passed and the meeting had ended, BOE President Whitehouse took a moment to comment on the Board’s decision and the publics expressed concerns.

“Things haven’t changed in the 20 years since Judy Dillon and Al Reese served on the BOE. They know what it’s like to spend so much time worrying if the budget will pass. Now we can worry more about the kids,” Whitehouse said.

“In this economic climate, folks are very focused on what any taxing authority can do to reduce costs. Although this may have seemed like a no-brainer because of the savings, I was still very concerned about taking away the vote from the public. I find solace in the fact that if we need to, we can go back to April elections in four years,” he stated.