Despite the hopes of officials, the budget was ultimately defeated by about 60 votes. It was one of only six budgets rejected in Ocean County out of a total of 29. The fate of the $64.78 million levy now lies in the hands of the Township Committee, who have been charged with reviewing the district’s budget five of the last six years after being defeated at the polls.

Committeeman Robert Singer, who in the past has pushed for a state review of defeated school budgets, said he will review this year’s budget once again before making that request because of the narrow margin of defeat.

In past years when Singer has asked for the budget to be forwarded to New Jersey Department of Education auditors, it has been rejected by 5-1 and 10-1 margins.

Also in Tuesday night’s election, incumbents Meir Neumann, and Alan Gonter won re-election. They will be joined on the board by newcomer Avi Braude.

(3 three-year terms)
Meir Neumann: 1,625
Avi Braude: 1,754
Gay P. Huggins: Dickey 1,106
Alan Gonter: 1,851

Tax levy: $64,782,523
Votes for: 1,347
Votes against: 1,410

(Sources: OCC / APP)