We the voters of Montclair NJ kindly ask the Board of Education to postpone the upcoming December 9th Special School Election. As a community, we need more time to explore other possible ways to solve the $19.6 million dollar budget shortfall without resorting to devastating tax increases. In the rush to get these two questions on the ballot, our community has not been given adequate time to get even a basic understanding of how these two questions will affect all of us, and how exactly this tax revenue will be allocated. The vast majority of voters find both ballot questions confusing at best, and there has been no effort made to provide interpretive statements as required by law. A Yes vote to either question is  guaranteed to trigger multiple lawsuits, resulting in even more legal fees which we can’t afford.

Postponing the election would also give authorities an opportunity to investigate numerous reports showing a pattern of systemic corruption. The NJ Department of Education has already agreed to advance money to cover the $7 million hole in our schools’ 2025-26 budget.  The next logical step is for Governor-elect Sherrill’s Education Commissioner to appoint an overseer to help the district get its fiscal house in order, which should be our top priority. This  upcoming election has already begun pitting neighbor against neighbor. Before things get any nastier, it is time for a reset. It is a shame we’re in this predicament, but thankfully there is a path forward without dividing the community any further.