September 26th Regionalization Vote
All five members of the Highlands Borough Council made it loud and clear at last night’s meeting of the governing body: A NO vote in the special school election September 26th is the best thing for borough residents.
Councilman Donald Melnyk also indicated the way the election was called by the school boards of education and is being held leaves a concern that “the intent is less than above board.”
As Mayor Carolyn Broullon has said several times in the past, she would not be presumptuous enough to tell anyone how to vote, however, she is definite her vote on September 26th will be no simply because it is not a good thing for Highlands and Atlantic Highlands to regionalize without the inclusion of Sea Bright.
Each of the other four members of the governing body also put on record their concern for a yes vote on September 26th, saying it is unfair for Highlands voters, taxpayers, and students at the schools.
Melnyk said he has given the question a lot of consideration and questions once again why it is necessary to have a special election only six weeks before a regular election.
Traditionally, fewer voters turn out for special elections, and the hours for this school election are from noon to 8 p.m., depriving early morning voters from getting to the polls. There have to be reasons for this, Melnyk said, it’s difficult, but it appears the intent is less than above board.
Council president Joann Olszewski, a retired teacher and school department head in Teaneck, a council member known for researching every issue before casting a vote, said it would be “dangerous” to vote yes for regionalization without Sea Bright and challenged the method of financing the new district as outlined in the question being decided September 26.
Olszewski pointed out the school boards approved a resolution and the question on the ballot that splits financing of education between Highlands and Atlantic Highlands strictly by assessed valuation and does not include student enrollment.
Olszewski pointed out. “This year, Atlantic Highlands paid “more than one million dollars for the Elementary School than Highlands did for our Elementary School. Why?” She asked. “Because they have 135 more students than Highlands does,.” She pointed out, as she answered her own question.
Such a formula at this time, considering only equalized valuation and not student enrollment, forces Highlands taxpayers to underwrite the cost of their neighboring town’s student enrollment. Urging the members of the school boards, while thanking them for serving in elected positions sometimes difficult to fill, Olszewski said they should include before Sea Bright in making any changes in regionalization.
Experts retained both by the school boards and the boroughs have all said the inclusion of Sea Bright would immediately bring in millions of dollars, while at the same time splitting the cost of education among three rather than two towns. Including the small number of Sea Bright students in a Henry Hudson Regional school district would not incur any costs for additional faculty or more classrooms.
Both councilmembers Karen Chelak and Leo Cervantes agreed with the statements made by the mayor, council president, Melnick with Cervantes adding a Yes vote September 26th “makes no sense and he agrees with a NO vote “one thousand per cent.”
Remember to Vote September 26th !
