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JACKSON SCHOOL DISTRICT SAFETY: WHAT MORE CAN WE DO?
On Nov. 6, the Jackson School District is asking voters to decide on a Special Question to HIRE SIX ADDITIONAL SECURITY GUARDS.
Why is this necessary?
In order to provide optimum security coverage for all of our ten schools, these additional officers are needed. Our security team is excellent, as is our collaborative relationship with the Jackson Police Department. But in today’s world, it is not enough. We want to know we are doing all we can - and that means we need additional staff to provide another key layer of security.
Why are we being asked to vote on this?
School districts in New Jersey must operate within a 2 percent cap on the tax levy. The annual cost of these new positions is $411,611 (including benefits). This kind of expense cannot be accomplished within that cap. The district is asking Jackson voters to make a decision on these positions through a special question on the Nov. 6 ballot.
What will it cost?
For a home assessed at the township average of $327,046, it would increase the school tax by about $10 per year. If approved, this question would increase the school tax rate by $0.0031 - that’s less than one-third of one penny on the tax rate.
What happens on Tuesday, Nov. 6th?
When voters go to the polls on November 6, 2018 they will be asked to vote on various elected positions, including Congressional and State Assembly, County Freeholders, Mayor, Township Council, and Board of Education members. There is also a statewide public bond question, which is different from our local special question.
On the ballot in Jackson will also be this Special School Security Question asking voters to decide on an additional $411,611 for six full-time security officers to join the district’s security staff.
What happens after Nov. 6?
Approval of this special question would result in a permanent increase to the district’s tax levy. This means that voters will not be asked to approve it each year - it will just be part of our budget moving forward and the funds approved MUST be used to fund these positions only.
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Polls are open from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Visit the county Board of Election website to do a polling search to find your polling place.
In order to vote you must be a REGISTERED VOTER. In order to cast a ballot in the Nov. 6 election, the Board of Elections must receive your VOTER REGISTRATION FORM by Oct. 16.
You may also VOTE BY MAIL by applying for a Mail-In Ballot.
If you vote by mail, your ballot must be postmarked by Election Day (Nov. 6) or you may drop it off to the Ocean County Board of Elections by the close of polls Nov. 6.
