Every vote is essential in local school elections, scheduled for April 15 KEVIN E. CIAK Guest Column One of the most exciting developments to come from this year's presidential primaries has been the level of voter turnout. According to an analysis conducted by American University's Center for the Study of the American Electorate, voters turned out in record numbers in about half 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 - the annual school election on April 15. In more than 90 percent of New 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 Boards Association and a member of a local board of education for almost 15 years, I amoften asked about the importance of the annual school election. Here are some frequently asked questions and answers. • What is at stake in the annual school election? Voters will choose members of their local board of education; this yearmore than 1,500 positions are 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 officials may 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 base budget. These ballot questionsmust tell voters exactly what programor position will be funded - for example, playground repairs or hiring reading aides in the elementary grades. A recent state law requires that these "second ballot questions" pass by a 60- percent majority. • 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's 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. 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 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. OnApril 15 voters will be asked to approve the amount of local property taxes that will be used to support the budget. • How do state laws and policies affect the school budget? OnApril 15 voterswill 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. 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 lowincome students, may see stateaid 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. • 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. • 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, president of the New Jersey School Boards Association, is also a Sayreville Board of Education member