February 22, 2012 THE VILLADOM TIMES I • Page 5 Franklin Lakes Divided school board moves election to November by Frank J. McMahon A sharply divided Franklin Lakes Board of Education voted 5-4 to move the district’s annual election to the date of the general election in November. The board was prompted by a recent state law that permits districts to eliminate a public vote on the annual school budget if that spending plan is at or within the cap set by the state for any increase in the tax levy, and if the election remains in November for at least the next four years. The board debated the issue for more than two hours, with strong opinions expressed on both sides of the issue, before the board voted down a motion to table the matter. The board then voted 54 to approve a “Document of Necessity,” which allows trustees whose terms will be extended by moving the election to vote to change the election date without creating a conflict of interest. The board then voted 5-4 to move the election to November and to eliminate the annual vote on the school budget as long as it remains within the state-imposed cap on the increase in the tax levy. The board members who wanted to table the matter until a future meeting were Jamie Martino, Susan McGowan, and Craig Urciuoli. The board members who voted to approve the Doctrine of Necessity and to move the election to November were Margaret Bennett, Board Vice President Christine Christopoul, John Conti, Richard Koenigsberg, and Board President Kathie Schwartz. Trustees who voted against the Doctrine of Necessity and the move of the election were Larry Loprete, Jamie Martino, Susan McGowan, and Craig Urciuoli. The members arguing in favor of moving the election date and eliminating the public vote on the budget cited the increasing number of school boards that are opting to move their elections to November. They said more people would come out to vote in the November election, and claimed the school board candidates would be able to speak to a larger population and reach more people in the community in the general election, which would improve the caliber of the candidates. They also said the fall election would eliminate the problems created when the school budget is defeated by a small percentage of voters which, they claimed, hurts the children in the school district. The members arguing against moving the election and eliminating the public vote on the budget claimed the elimination of the public vote on the budget would be a serious attack on liberty and it would take away the rights of the public to vote on the school budget. They also claimed that school board candidates in a November general election could be affected by the political parties supporting other candidates in their campaigns, and that the tax levy cap could change over the years and the public would not be able to vote on that change in the budget. The opposing trustees felt it would be better to wait to see the results of the date change in other districts before deciding to change the date in Franklin Lakes because they believe the move will cause this school board to go down in history as the board that denied the public its right to vote. The terms of Schwartz, Bennett, and Conti will expire this year, but their terms will be extended to January when the school board will hold its next reorganization. Any new members of the board elected in November would also be sworn in at that reorganization meeting. Conti, who has been on the board for 15 years, has indicated that he will not seek reelection this year due to changing professional job responsibilities. Schwartz has advised that she is undecided about seeking another term. Bennett has said that her focus right now is on continuing to support the administration with the resources necessary for the significant amount of work they will be required to do over the next two years in curriculum revisions due to the new common core standards. Bennett said she will decide over the coming months if that work needs continued support. Candidates who wish to seek election to the board must file a nominating petition with the school board secretary by June 5, the date of the primary election. r. Michael W. Klotz is one of 11 privately practicing board certified Prosthodontists in the State of New Jersey. The doctor’s specialized training in implant, esthetic and reconstructive dentistry can improve outcomes for patients of all ages. This New Jersey native earned his doctorate degree from the New Jersey Dental School (UMDNJ). He was then immediately accepted into a three-year specialty program of Prosthodontics at the University of Connecticut, where he also earned his Master’s of Dental Science. He completed a fellowship in Maxillofacial Prosthetics at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, where he cared for patients battling cancer and their unique dental needs. While at MSKCC, he received board certification in Prosthodontics and became a Fellow of the American College of Prosthodontists. “We provide routine, as well as very complex, dental care,” Dr. Klotz notes. “Some of the services we offer include: examinations and cleanings, teeth whitening, tooth-colored fillings, porcelain veneers and crowns, dental implant placement and restoration, full and partial dentures, full mouth reconstruction, maxillofacial prosthetics, and oral sleep apnea appliances. Michael W. Klotz, D.M.D., M.Dent.Sc., Another valuable service we offer is our F.A.C.P., P.L.L.C., established on-site dental laboratory, which NJ Specialty Permit #6031 helps us have strict quality control and can decrease waiting time for dental work.” In his caring, family-oriented office, Dr. Klotz takes time to develop thorough treatment plans and communicate with his patients. He uses the latest dental technology and offers digital radiographs. These digital “X-rays” are quicker, easier to view, and require less radiation than traditional film. “We also have acquired a digital intraoral camera which allows the patient to see his or her teeth on our flat screen monitors. Our team is proud of our commitment to excellence, high quality dentistry, and our caring attitude. The oral health and wellbeing of our patients is our top priority,” Dr. Klotz adds. Dr. Klotz’s office is located at 312 Warren Avenue, Suite 1 in the heart of Ho-HoKus. Hours are Monday through Thursday from 8 to 5, and Friday from 9 to 1. Call (201) 444-9777 or visit his website, www.smilehhk.com, for more information. D Michael W. Klotz, D.M.D