By Rebecca Andrews
Staff Writer
April 15, 2008

New candidates Lynne Stewart and Sharon Strompf will join incumbent Donald Kaplan on the Tenafly Board of Education based on results from Tuesday night’s election.

Eleven-year resident Stewart received the most votes with 775. Stewart has one daughter in middle school and one in high school. She currently serves on the executive board of Temple Sinai of Bergen County and as a representative from the high school’s Home School Association.

Stewart believes it’s important to view taxpayer’s wallets and children as your own.

Strompf, who received 703 votes, has a son and daughter in Mackay Elementary School. She has served four years on the Mackay School H.S.A. with two years as co-president. Strompf thinks it’s important to keep class sizes small and foster open communication between the board and public.

While some residents were pleased with the incumbents and the work they have done over the years, others were ready for a change.

Kaplan, a resident of 13 years who currently serves as vice president, received 649 votes, beating out incumbent and nine-year board member, Richard Fooshee, who received 588 votes.

By a 646–576 vote, the budget has been approved by residents, who will pay approximately $702 more per year on a house assessed at $635,500.

Based on a collection of exit polls, the majority of residents said they don’t mind paying the extra money because the level of education the children receive is so high.

Of 8,492 registered voters, 1,255 came out to voice their opinion Tuesday night.