Guest Column
Residents have opportunity to help shape local schools
KEVIN E. CIAK
One of the most exciting developments to come fromthis year's presidential primaries has been the level of voter turnout. According to an analysis conducted byAmericanUniversity's Center for the Study of the American Electorate, voters turned out in record numbers in about half of the states that conducted early presidential primaries. Whatever your political inclination, it's always good news when more citizens engage in the democratic process.

This spring,New Jersey voters will have another opportunity to express their viewpoint during the annual school election on April 15. In more than 90 percent ofNew Jersey's communities, voters will select candidates to serve on their local boards of education. In addition, they will have an opportunity - available in only a handful of other states - to vote yes or no on a proposed school budget.

As president of the New Jersey School BoardsAssociation and amember of a local Board of Education for almost 15 years, I amoften asked about the importance of the annual school election.Here are answers to some frequently asked questions.

What is at stake in the annual school election? Voters will go to the polls to choose members of their local boards of education; this year more than 1,500 positions will be on the ballot statewide. Voters will also have the chance to vote for or against a proposed school operating budget for 2008-09. If the budget passes, it is officially adopted. If voters reject it, the proposal is sent to the municipal governing body for review. The municipal officialsmay leave the budget intact or make cuts.

Some school districts may also ask voters to act on one or more additional ballot questions, requesting funds for specific programs or staff not included in the proposed base budget. These additional ballot questionsmust tell voters exactly what program or position will be funded.

What is the role of the local school board? Boards of education are nonpartisan bodies responsible for ensuring accountability, effectiveness and efficiency in schools. Their members are not paid. The school board does not run the school district - that is the job of the superintendent. Rather, the board works with the administration to set district goals.

School boards annually evaluate their superintendents, oversee the school district budget, approve curriculum and represent the public in contract negotiations with labor unions. Board members are part of a team that fosters community engagement, shapes education policy and creates the framework for student achievement. Ultimately, the board serves as liaison between the community and the school district. The board communicates the needs of the schools to the public, but it also represents the community's wishes in shaping the future of the local school system.

What is the significance of the proposed school district budget? School districts have educational goals, and the school budget serves as a roadmap to guide the district in providing programs and services that meet those goals. The budget covers everything from textbooks to teacher salaries, maintenance and transportation.

All voters have a stake in the outcome, whether or not they have children in the school system or are homeowners or renters. Not only does the school budget affect property taxes, but strong local schools enhance the quality of life in a community and can make a town more attractive to prospective homebuyers and business investors. Most important, quality public schools provide children with the opportunities they need to succeed and to take their place as productive citizens.

How do state laws and policies affect the school budget? On April 15, voters will actually cast ballots on the amount of local property taxes to be raised for school purposes. However, state policies - especially state aid to education- play a significant role in shaping a school district's budget and the proposed school property tax levy. When casting their ballots, voters need to understand that the school budget isn't just the result of decisions made by their local school board. The budget is strongly influenced by state and federal funding- and by state and federal requirements to provide certain programs and services. This past January, a new school funding formula was passed by the state Legislature and signed by the governor. For 2008-09, the state is guaranteeing a minimum 2 percent increase in state funding for every district. Some school districts, notably those with growing enrollment and/or concentrations of low-income students, may see state aid increases up to 20 percent. Some districts will be required to dedicate a large portion of their school aid increases directly to reductions in school property tax rates.

In addition, the method for distributing state funding for special education was also revised, with a larger share provided on a wealth basis, among other changes.

Voters should also be aware that schools are operating under restrictions that limit the increase in the growth of the school property tax levy to 4 percent a year. Because of these restrictions, some districts might find it necessary to propose additional ("second ballot") questions to fund needed programs or simply tomaintain existing levels of services.

How do I learn more about my school board candidates and my district's budget?

Registered voters will receive a sample ballot listing candidates, the district's base budget proposal and any additional questions that will be on the ballot. Residents are encouraged to stay informed by reading about proposed school budgets and school board candidates in their local newspapers and through local voter forums or debates.

Your local school board must publish a summary of the proposed budget in local newspapers; the board also must hold a public hearing on the matter.

Whomay vote in the annual school election? All registered voters may participate in the annual school election.

When and where do I vote? By law, polls must be open from 5-9 p.m. on April 15. However,most school districts schedule additional voting hours. For the exact polling hours and locations in your community, contact your local board of education or the office of your county clerk or refer to the sample ballot you receive in the mail.

Kevin E. Ciak is the president of theNew Jersey School Boards Association.