A Chathamite's Guide to 2012 School Elections

Chatham residents can make their voices heard in the polls Tuesday, when they can vote on their representatives to the , and on the 2012-13 school budget. Before you head out to vote, here are some things you need to know:

When and where can I vote?

Polls open at 2 p.m. and remain open until 9 p.m. residents over 18 who have registered to vote may do so at . p residents over 18 who have registered to vote may do so at .

What Am I Voting On?

The district has proposed a budget of $60,943,789 for the 2012-13 school year, which residents can vote to approve.

Last year's tax levy was $52,791,296. In the upcoming school year, the tax levy will increase by 2.30 percent, or $1,213,804. If the budget passes, the tax levy will increase to $54,005,100. 

For borough residents with homes worth $658,500, taxes will increase by $25.61 monthly, or $307.34 over the year. Township residents with homes worth $747,400 will pay an increase of $10.14 each month and $121.71 annually.

The tax levy increase includes $675,387 of banked cap, that is, taxing authority the district opted not to use from the past three years. By not taxing the maximum amount, the district can save that money to tax for future needs without a second question.

There is no second question to this vote.

Whom can I vote for?

Three seats are up for election, each for a three-year term. The three contestants are unopposed.

is running to represent Chatham Borough on the board. During the 2011-12 year, he has served as Board President. The year before, he was Board Vice President. If elected, this will be his second three-year term on the board.

is running to represent Chatham Township. He was first appointed to the board in February 2009 and ran unopposed in April of that year for his current position. If he wins, this will be his second three-year term on the board.

is running to represent Chatham Township. She was first appointed in 2010 and last year ran unopposed to finish the term she was appointed to. If she wins, this will be her first full three-year term on the board.

Results from the election are due at about 9:30 p.m. Tuesday. Check in with Chatham Patch for the full results.