BOE budget OK'd for 4th year BY ERIN O. STATTEL Staff Writer HOLMDEL - The votes are in, and residents of Holmdel approved the school budget and elected three Board of Education members, two of them newcomers. The budget approved for this school year is $50,051,557, an increase of $2.1 million over last year's budget. Voters approved the tax levy of $45,845,732, a 3.3 percent increase over last year. That budget passed by 51.54 percent of the votes cast, with 1,006 affirmative votes out of 1,952 votes cast, and 946 no votes, at the April 15 election. This is the fourth consecutive year that the Holmdel Board of Education budget has been approved. "We appreciate your support and confidence in our school district," Superintendent Barbara Duncan said at the April 16 Board of Education meeting. "In these uncertain times, we pledge to continue to deliver excellence and remain fiscally responsible with your tax dollars." Michael Collins, 18, a Holmdel High School alumnus, won a seat on the Board of Education with a total of 1,217 votes, racking up 28.16 percent of the total vote, the highest amount in the race. "Holmdel has spoken, and voters want a new perspective in school governance," Collins stated in a press release. "With my inside-out perspective of the school system, I am able to provide just that." Incumbent Barbara Garrity held on to her seat with a total count of 1,170 votes and 27.09 percent of the vote. "It's definitely a compliment to be reelected to the Board of Education," Garrity said. "I appreciate all of the votes of confidence that put me back in. We have been through a lot here in Holmdel, and now it is getting fun." Dr. Jim Shelton received 23.44 percent of the vote and a seat on the board with 1,013 votes. John Scagnelli was short of the mark with a total of 906 votes. "I appreciate the support of the community and look forward to working with the other members of the board to assure that our reputation for excellence is unquestioned for both students and our fiscal responsibilities," Shelton said. "I promised to apply my education and business experience, and I will keep my commitment to maximum transparency." The Board of Education also said farewell to board members Karen Strickland and Phyllis Pascucci, who did not seek re-election, and wished graduating senior and student representative John Blakeslee much success at college.