Full Notification

Dear Residents of Ho-Ho-Kus,

With the special school election scheduled for Tuesday, March 10, 2026, the Mayor and Council wish to provide residents with important information regarding this decision facing our community.

The Board of Education has placed a proposal on the ballot to authorize approximately $3.1 million in funding above the State’s 2% tax levy cap for the 2026–27 school year. Without voter approval, the district would face significant reductions to programs and services.

The Mayor and Council have carefully reviewed the district’s financial circumstances and concluded that approval of this proposal is in the best interest of Ho-Ho-Kus. We support the funding. Suggestions that the Borough is opposed are incorrect. The outcome of this vote is important to the long-term strength and stability of Ho-Ho-Kus. We recognize that residents may hold differing views, and we respect those perspectives.

Our public school is a cornerstone of the community and an essential part of what makes our Borough such a desirable place to live. The quality of our school system has long been a defining characteristic of Ho-Ho-Kus, helping attract families to our town and contributing to the vitality of our community and the property values that residents throughout Ho-Ho-Kus rely upon.

To address several additional points that have arisen:

• Separate governing bodies: The Board of Education and the Mayor and Council are separate and independent governing bodies. The Board of Education alone determines the school district’s budget and the portion of property taxes allocated to education, which currently represents approximately 57% of the total property tax levy. The Borough does not have the authority to set, modify, or control school spending.

• Limited municipal financial role: The Borough’s financial role with respect to the school district is limited to the collection and distribution of taxes. Municipal funds cannot be redirected to support school operations.

• Election required to increase school funding: This election is the only legal mechanism available to increase the school district’s share of the property tax levy.

• Limits of Borough authority if the vote fails: If the proposal is not approved, state law does not permit the Borough to restore funding, adjust the school levy, or otherwise intervene in the school district’s budget.

The continued strength of Ho-Ho-Kus depends on responsible leadership, sound decision-making, and a commitment to the long-term interests of our community. These principles guide the work of the Mayor and Council and reflect the standards residents expect from the institutions that serve our Borough. Fiscal discipline, transparency, and accountability remain essential to maintaining public confidence.

The Mayor and Council have met with school officials, asked direct and necessary questions, and carefully reviewed the district’s plan to stabilize its finances. While we believe the district is working toward a more stable path forward, this funding is necessary at this time.

Polls will be open Tuesday, March 10, 2026, from 7:00 AM to 8:00 PM at Borough Hall. Residents are encouraged to participate in the election.

Thank you for your thoughtful consideration and for your continued commitment to the Ho-Ho-Kus community.

Sincerely,
The Mayor and Council of Ho-Ho-Kus