April 27 Is Coming: Your Guide to Hopatcong School Elections

THE BUDGET

The Big Numbers: The Hopatcong school board is proposing a 2011-2012 budget of $35 million, with a local tax levy of $22.7 million. The tax rate would be $1.09, up from $1.07 in 2010-2011. 

What It Means for Your Tax Bill: If your home is assessed at the municipal average of $315,000, that tax rate of $1.09 translates to a yearly bill of about $3,433 (not counting municipal and county taxes, which are set separately). That means school taxes on the average Hopatcong home would raise $109.

What It Means For School Programs: Officials say no significant cuts are expected this year. But programs eliminated in 2010-2011, including field hockey, golf and marching band, wouldn't be restored under this budget. But if it fails, officials say, many more cuts could come.

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.

The History: Not in the budget's favor. Voters have shot down the last seven school budgets.

What Happens if Voters Shoot Down the Budget: It'll next go to the borough 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 ,  and for more. Also, the full budget propsoal is available on the district's homepage.

THE SCHOOL BOARD RACE

In the Running: Four people are running for three open school board seats: , , and . (Click their names to read profiles of each).

The Big Issues: Among the issues facing candidates are and from Hopatcong's schools.

WHERE AND WHEN TO VOTE

Polls will be open on April 27. Locations are as follows: