By Catherine Wilde
Staff Writer
April 15, 2008

According to unofficial results posted on The Record’s Web site, new candidate Nicole Gray has taken the available board seat by a vote of 243–218 over incumbent Linda Schuman.

Results were not yet available for the $11.2 million school budget.

However, the feeling at the polls seemed to be in favor of its passage.

Ten-year resident Mark Fable, has three children in the school system and he voted to pass the budget. He said he did so because he believes "in order to continue the good education, we need to provide those funds."

Another resident, Robert Maryott, who has two children in the school district and one more that will be entering, said he voted for the budget as he has in past years.

A resident of Old Tappan for 12 years, Maryott said he is happy with the schools and the superintendent and has always voted for the school budget.

Ray Reduce, who has lived in Old Tappan for nine years and has two children in the district, said he voted to approve the budget because he likes the curriculum and thinks the programs have been good for the children.

He voted for Gray, saying she has a tremendous level of commitment.

"I have spoken with her at length about her ideas and priorities and they are consistent with mine," he said.

Jackie Gabay, a five-year resident of Old Tappan with children in the school district, voted for the budget because she thinks the schools and administrators are very good.

"The principal at the elementary school is very kind and smart and deserves the money they need to give the kids what they need to get a better education," she said.

Jerry Golde, a four-year resident with three children in the district, said he voted for the budget because "more services are always a good thing."

One resident who wished to remain anonymous said she voted for Nicole Gray because she is active in the school district and informed on the issues.