Keyport school budget defeated by 25 votes BY KAREN E. BOWES Staff Writer KEYPORT - Voters narrowly rejected a proposed $17.09 million education budget on April 17 by 25 votes, 255 to 230. In the Board of Education race, newcomer Daniel Smith Jr., 37, won a three-year seat with 321 votes. Incumbent Joanne Staeger, 52, will begin her seventh term after she garnering 228 votes. Nancy Wilcox, 35, the lead vote-getter with 337, is set to begin her first full term. Falling short were the incumbent Steven Reed, 43, who earned 197 votes, and Laurie Kopacz, 43, who received 201 votes. Wilcox served briefly on the board from December 2005 to April 2006, finishing up the term of another board member who moved. A former teacher in Somerset, Wilcox now takes care of her four young children, ages 3 to 8. On Monday, she shared her disappointment over the budget's narrow failure. "I do know ... that it is always expected and there is a contingency plan, but it makes me want to look into more grant options because I know there are so many out there that we haven't even applied for," she said. The failed budget now heads to the Borough Council, which can either recommend it be cut or left as is. If the school board objects to the cuts, it can appeal the council's recommendations to the state. Councilman Richard Hassmiller said on Monday the council would likely proceed as it did with last year's failed budget, when the borough auditor reviewed the spending plan first, then made recommendations to the council. Hassmiller said he had not yet reviewed the budget and could not speculate on what areas might be cut. Money aside, Wilcox said she would like to focus on establishing a more open relationship between the community and the board members. It is difficult for parents and residents to understand how decisions are made about the school system. A more open relationship would result in more input from community and parents, she said. "Frankly, I have no issue with taping the meetings," Wilcox said, referring to an ongoing debate with the board. "It's a good idea. I'm not sure why someone would be opposed to it."