Garwood BOE Moves School Board Elections to November

At a special meeting on Tuesday, the Garwood Board of Education adopted a resolution to move the borough's school board elections from April to November to coincide with the general election.

School Board President Adele Lewis told Patch that the change was made for several reasons. Grouping the elections is a cost-saving measure for districts as it saves them from financing a separate election. Also, opting into the change (it's a four year commitment) eliminates the annual vote on the school budget if it is within the two-percent tax cap. And finally, the general election offers a significant largely voter turnout.

Governor Chris Christie signed legislation in January allowing the date change. Many other districts across the state are also moving their school board elections to November, including neighboring communities like and Cranford.This change can be made by a resolution by the local board of education, a resolution by the municipal governing body, or voter referendum.

The Board voted 5-2 to move the elections. Members Barbara Greet, Russ Graham, Sue Groning, Brendan McDermott and Adele Lewis voted in favor of the resolution; Christine Guerriero and Linda Koenig opposed the resolution.

School districts that move their elections will have to submit their budgets to the county superintendent, but voters will not vote on the budget unless it exceeds the state-mandated two percent tax cap. If the budget exceeds the two percent cap – – voters would then be able to vote on whether to pass it in the form of a second question on the ballot. Voters will still vote on school board candidates.