Voters Approve School Budget, Elect Rose, Williams, Walser

Voters have approved the Teaneck school district budget and elected two newcomers to the Board of Education, according to unofficial election results from the township clerk.

Howard Rose and Clara Williams were elected to the Board along with incumbent Board President Ardie Walser. 

"I'm so pleased that the residents of Teaneck thought that the Board presented an excellent budget that they could get behind and pass," Williams said. 

Rose also said he was happy the school budget passed. 

"I'm pleased the budget passed. It was a well thought-out plan. It will provide academic excellence and fiscal responsibility, which have been the maxims of my campaign platform," he said. 

Alan Sohn signaled he might make another run for a seat on the Board. 

"I congratulate the winners on a well-run campaign. It took Howard Rose three elections to win. I'm willing to run again," he said. 

Candidate Patricia King-Butler also said she supported the budget. 

"I wish the candidates well, and I hope that they work hard to implement some of the reforms I presented in my campaign," she said. 

When asked if she would consider running again, King-Butler said: "I'm not sure because there are forces in this town that don't support progressive thinking. They believe in business as usual."

Incumbent Margaret Angeli lost her seat, however,

Walser did not immediately return a call for comment late Wednesday night. 

The 2011-12 budget passed with 2,903 votes, compared to 1,423 votes against it, according to the results. The $87.1 million school budget brings a $77,452,263 tax levy. 

The budget includes funding for six new teachers and $1.3 for .  It also includes a 0.4 percent tax increase from increased debt service. That amounts to $26 on a house assessed at $465,300.

Vote totals:

Ardie Walser: 2,745

Clara Williams: 2,548

Howard Rose: 1,877

Patricia King-Butler: 1,648

Alan Sohn: 1,604

Margaret Angeli: 831

Tax Levy: 

Yes: 2,903

No: 1,423

Jennifer Pinto contributed to this report.