South Hackensack’s proposed $5,596,520 tax levy was defeated by 100 votes – 244 "no" to 144 "yes." The schools’ total operating budget would have been $7 million.

As a result, the Board of Education must make its case to the Township Committee, which will review the proposed budget and other financial information. The council then studies the numbers within a specific time frame, which expires May 19, and recommend cuts to the spending plan, if necessary.

The South Hackensack Committee will then establish a final tax levy, which will be sent to the Bergen County Board of Taxation. This time, voters will not have the opportunity to vote on the tax levy as determined by the township’s governing body.

Also on Election Day, voters selected incumbent Patricia Nasta and newcomer Kelly Maher to fill two three-year terms on the Board of Education.

Nasta, the only candidate seeking re-election, received the most votes with 249. Maher secured 224, narrowly edging Teresa LoFaro (219) and Danielle Monteleone (216).

The new board hopes to work on establishing a second special education class, as well as attracting and maintaining a high level of teaching quality to the district.

South Hackensack is a one school (Memorial) district, sending its public high school students to Hackensack High.