Budget Passes By 1,057 Votes

About 12 percent of Hillsborough’s 25,100 registered voters turned out at this year’s school elections, passing the $110 million school budget by 1,057 votes.

By the end of the seven-hour polling period, 2,203 people voted in favor of the budget, while 1,146 voted against it.  In addition, voters elected incumbent Judy Haas, returned board member Chris Pulsifer and newcomer Jennifer Haley to three-year board terms.

“It was wonderful that the community came out in such support,” Superintendent Jorden Schiff said about the almost two-to-one vote.  “This is wonderful news.  I think our programs will improve; our kids are going to have the opportunity to use technologies they haven’t been able to use.”

Of the $110,679,700 total budget, $78,212,946 comes from local taxes.  $77,401,727 will come from Hillsborough taxpayers, while Millstone Borough taxpayers will contribute $811,219, a total increase of $15,906 for Millstone taxpayers. 

The budget amounts to an about $3,478,817 increase over last year’s $107,200,883 budget, which amounts to an about 3 percent increase. However, the tax levy increases by $1,536,889 —about 2 percent, which is the state cap on tax levies—over the $76,676,057 generated last year.  

Passing the budget also means avoiding the privatization of 270 jobs held by bus drivers, instructional and lunch aides, custodial and maintenance workers.  The jobs had been slated for privatization during the first budget proposal, however, $3 million in healthcare concessions in the most recent teachers’ contract allowed the district to avoid the job cuts.

“I’m very relieved,” Hillsborough Education Association President Barbara Parker said.  “I’m thrilled the community came out and showed their support.  I’m glad we don’t have to privatize the 270 jobs. I think people were happy with the concessions the HEA made.”

Of the candidates running for election, Haas received 2,016 votes, Pulsifer received 1,578 and Haley received 1,357 votes.  Candidates Frank Herbert received 1,124 votes, David Wald received 950 votes and Marissa Sladek received 760 votes.

“I’m excited,” Haley said just a few minutes after learning she won one of the seats.  “I’m a little surprised, I have to admit.  I am the new person on the block, so I’m really happy the people of Hillsborough liked my position.  I’m very humbled.”

“I’m very happy to have been re-elected to the board,” Haas said.  “I’m looking forward to serving again and I’d like to thank my family and friends for the support.”

Haley, Pulsifer and Haas will be sworn in as board members May 2, at the Board of Education’s annual reorganization meeting.  The meeting will take place at 7:30 a.m. in the Auten Road Intermediate School cafetorium.