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For Release: April 11, 2003

Commissioner Librera Stresses Importance of Participation in School Elections

Commissioner of Education William L. Librera today encouraged voters to participate in next Tuesday’s school elections. More than 4.6 million registered voters throughout the state will have the opportunity to decide the fate of 550 local school budgets that carry a combined local tax levy of more than $8 billion. In addition, citizens will be voting for local school board candidates to fill 1,663 seats on April 15.

"The annual school elections provide citizens throughout New Jersey with their single greatest opportunity to determine how and at what cost their schools will be run in the coming year," Commissioner Librera said. "At the same time, they can decide on who best represents their concerns and interests by casting ballots for local school board candidates.

"I urge voters to take advantage of this annual opportunity. There is no single way that citizens can make a more active difference in their communities," Dr. Librera said.

Polls must be open on school election day between 5 p.m. and 9 p.m. School boards may designate additional polling hours between 7 a.m. and 9 p.m.

Last year, 14.2 percent of registered voters approved 65.4 percent of school budgets statewide.