School Elections: Who, What, Why and Where

The finish line is in sight for school board candidates and school budgets.

Voters across New Jersey will head to the polls on Wednesday to cast their ballots, and here in West Deptford, it's a crowded field, with eight people vying for three open seats on the board.

, with a general fund tax levy of $28,437,427. The budget includes the maximum 2 percent increase–$557,596–in the local tax levy, though because of the property tax revaluation and an increase in local ratables, the net effect is a 2.12¢ decrease in the local school tax rate.

Superintendent Kevin Kitchenman and business administrator William Thompson said they typically create a chart of the expected effect on taxes for several different tiers of home values, but the revaluation made that “almost impossible.” Thompson noted that for the new average, which is $208,151, the rate decrease represents $97 less in school taxes for 2011-12.

This year's election has another wrinkle, as the school board members chosen will have a role in selecting a new board president, after  when the board reorganizes on May 9.

Polls are open from 2 to 9 p.m. Wednesday, and a full list of polling locations and the districts they serve .

Below are the candidates, listed by ballot position, with links to their candidate profiles:

*incumbent