Most school budgets fail in S. Jersey

Rejections outnumbered approvals in yesterday's voting on school budgets across Camden, Burlington and Gloucester Counties, according to available results.

Approvals were far more common in Camden County, as voters gave a thumbs up in about half the disticts, including Audubon, Barrington, Berlin Borough, Brooklawn, Collingswood, Gibbsboro, Gloucester City, Gloucester Township, Haddonfield, Haddon Heights, Hi-Nella, Lawnside, Magnolia, Runnemede, Somerdale and Woodlynne.

Also giving OKs were Bass River, Easthampton, Moorestown, Riverton and Woodland in Burlington County, and Deptford, Glassboro, Greenwich Township, Logan, Paulsboro, Washington Township and Woodbury Heights in Gloucester County.

Among the dozens of school districts voting no were Berlin Township, Cherry Hill, Haddon Township, Laurel Springs, Voorhees and Pennsauken in Camden County; Burlington Township, Cinnaminson, Delran, Evesham, Maple Shade, Medford, Mount Laurel and Willingboro in Burlington County; and Gateway Regional, Monroe Township, Pitman, West Deptford and Woodbury in Gloucester County.

Some votes were so close that it's possible that absentee ballots or challenges could swing the results. Statford had just 4 more no votes than yes votes, while Merchantville's preliminary margin favoring rejection was 5.

Where the budgets were defeated, town and city councils will determine what funds will go to local schools.

For more details, see links to listings at right, which are being updated with the latest information.