Tinton Falls school budget approved

Tinton Falls school budget approved
BY KENNY WALTER Staff Writer

TINTON FALLS — Voters in the Tinton Falls School District approved the $28,496,069 2009-10 school budget last week.

The budget, which increased less than 1 percent from last year's spending plan, calls for a tax levy of $17.6 million.

As a result of the budget approval, the tax rate per $100 of assessed valuation will go down for taxpayers in both Tinton Falls and Shrewsbury Township, which also sends students to the district.

Tinton Falls Superintendent John Russo said he was pleased with the results of the vote.

"We are very pleased that our budget passed," Russo said. "We are thankful that our residents support our annual school budget."

Russo added that he was a little surprised with the margin by which the budget passed.

"I am definitely a little surprised at the numbers," Russo said. "With the economy the way it is, I am pleased at how many people came out to vote."

Tinton Falls residents will pay 62.28 cents per $100 of assessed valuation, which is a decrease of 2.1 cents from last year. Shrewsbury Township residents will pay 67.04 cents per $100, down 0.06 cents from last year.

The average Shrewsbury Township homeowner will pay $1,005 in school taxes, down $1 from last year.

Nicole Alfano, Joseph DeFino and Robert Mauro were elected to the Board of Education for three-year terms in an uncontested election.

Alfano gained 981 votes and DeFino, with 954 votes, retain their seats, while Mauro who drew 932 votes will take the place of the Michael Laffey, who did not seek re-election.

Contact Kenny Walter at

kwalter@gmnews.com.