By Sophia Gonzalez
Staff Writer
April 15, 2008

It was déjà vu at the school election polls today as the budget was defeated by a narrow margin.

This time, the budget failed by a total of 10 votes – compared to a lack of 47 votes last year.

Cresskill Schools Superintendent Charles V. Khoury repeated, "It was 10 votes, 10 votes," clearly showing his disappointment.

According to unofficial results, 594 Cresskill residents voted "no" and 584 residents voted "yes."

The proposed $22.8 million school budget would have meant a $253.56 tax increase on an average home assessed at $600,000.

School officials had touted the school budget tax levy as "among the lowest in the area."

But Jerry Scelzi, a retired resident who pays $11,000 a year in property taxes said, "Enough is enough."

"There isn’t any more money to be given up."

Residents in favor of the budget said that the 3.55 percent tax levy increase was necessary.

"I know it’s hard for senior citizens with taxes, but as a parent it’s vitally important that the school remains at the level that it is and that it continues to grow," said Colleen Zaikov, a resident and mother of three children.

The defeated budget will now go before the Borough Council for final approval. Khoury said that he hopes to convince borough officials to pass the budget as is.

"My recommendation would be that they don’t touch it," said Khoury. "Not because of 10 votes."