WOODCLIFF LAKE—Borough officials will hold an information session on the need for special law enforcement officers (SLEOs) at Dorchester Elementary and Woodcliff Middle schools during the Borough Council meeting on Monday, Oct. 21, at Tice Senior Center.
Councilwoman Nicole Marsh announced the session during an Oct. 9 livestream Mayor Carlos Rendo hosted on his Facebook page. Rendo urged residents to vote in favor of hiring the officers, emphasizing the importance of school safety.
A public question on this year’s ballot asks if the Woodcliff Lake Board of Education should raise an additional $180,000 in school taxes for the 2024–2025 school year to hire, equip, and train SLEOs. Approval would permanently increase the school tax levy.
The ballot’s interpretive statement explains that $150,424.20 would go toward wages and taxes, while $29,575.80 would cover equipment, training, and other related costs. A yes vote authorizes the tax increase, while a no vote rejects it.
Councilman Joshua Stern noted that the Borough Council unanimously supports hiring the officers, describing it as an additional layer of security similar to officers in place at Pascack Hills High School and other districts.
For mail-in voters, the public question appears on the ballot’s second page. Early voting runs Oct. 26 to Nov. 3 at nine countywide locations, including Tice Senior Center.
Superintendent Lauren Barbelet said the district will host a security forum on Oct. 29 at 7 p.m. at Woodcliff Middle School to discuss the need for SLEOs.
The deadline to apply for a mail-in ballot is Oct. 29. Completed ballots must be postmarked by 8 p.m. on Nov. 5.