U.F., Allentown voters say yes to school budget

Allentown and Upper Freehold voters took to the polls April 21 and the majority showed support for the $32.5 million Upper Freehold Regional School District budget.

Borough voters approved the spending plan in a vote of 133-102 and township voters marked their approval in a vote of 429- 424, according to Monmouth County Board of Election results.

The passed budget means the average Allentown household assessed at $153,300 will pay an additional $20 in school taxes and the average Upper Freehold household assessed at $526,400 will pay an additional $464.10 in school taxes. The total tax increases include debt service and current school district expenses.

Voter Cindy Bardwil said she supported the budget because the board did a nice job presenting the budget and explaining its impact on the taxpayers.

"There were e-mails explaining the breakdown of the budget, and we also witnessed the use of Facebook to spread the word for the first time," she said. "Many people came together to purchase unique, apple-shaped "Vote Today" signs to help get the word out to all residents of the community."

Bardwil said the district's goal was to increase voter turnout.

"There were approximately 400 more voters who turned out this year compared to the prior year," she said. "I am proud of this community for supporting the needs of our children, particularly in these dark economic times."

Superintendent of Schools Dick Fitzpatrick, speaking on behalf of the Board of Education and school district administration, expressed appreciation and respect for the more than 1,000 residents who participated in the election.

"We thank the community for making a positive statement on behalf of the children of the Upper Freehold School District," he said.

In drafting the budget, the school district diligently worked to maintain the highest quality programs at a reasonable cost, according to Fitzpatrick.

"Our [2.7] percentage increase was significantly lower than other communities in Monmouth and Ocean counties," he said. "We did our best to provide an educationally and fiscally responsible budget to our community members."

Fitzpatrick said the board and administration will do everything within their power to manage the allotted tax dollars effectively and efficiently, focusing on enhancing student achievement, improving the health and safety of students, and planning for the opening of the new middle school in September 2010.

The budget provides funds for textbooks, instructional elementary school math materials for the new Envisions program, a pilot middle school intramural program and teaching positions for history, psychology, math, and health at Allentown High School, according to Fitzpatrick.

"We appreciate your support and will continue to tireless work for the children in our community," Fitzpatrick said.

During the election, Allentown voters elected Edward Werner to the Board of Education seat that William Borkowski will vacate. Werner received 138 votes in the uncontested election, according to the Monmouth County Board of Election results.

Upper Freehold voters reelected both incumbents vying to retain their board seats against newcomer Steven Gagliardi. Board member Lisa Herzer was the top vote getter and received 507 votes. Board member Howard Krieger also won reelection with 439 votes. Gagliardi received 374 votes, according to the Monmouth County Board of Election results.