No Haddon Heights tax hike for school activities

HADDON HEIGHTS - Borough voters rejected a proposed tax increase that would have restored school sports and clubs and provided additional funds for music and technology.

The vote came in at 1,301 against the tax increase and 1,111 for it, according to unofficial returns reported on the Camden County website.

Haddon Heights was one of three school districts statewide that sought voters' permission Tuesday to exceed the state's 2 percent tax-levy cap. All three failed. Ridgefield in Bergen County and Dunellen in Middlesex County wanted the extra funds to pay for additional school security.

Haddon Heights' ballot question sought to raise nearly $176,000 in tax revenue. Had the measure been approved, the owner of a home with the district's average valuation of $268,000 would have paid $61.26 more a year.

The money was to be used to bring back activities cut due to a $428,000 deficit. They included winter cheerleading, the Scribe newspaper, and junior high track. It also would have paid for band instruments and supplies, plus computer equipment.

"It's unfortunate for the students and for the district that we're in this budget deficit," Superintendent Michael Adams said.

Adams said the district, which has had deficits the last few years, already had instituted an activity fee paid by the families whose children participate.

Most likely, any of the activities could be restored this school year if volunteers stepped forward to oversee them, Adams said. After the ballot question failed, a staff member expressed interest in helping with the Multi-Cultural Student Union Club, he said.

District officials say the deficit was the result of less surplus funding and declining tuition revenue. - Rita Giordano