Oct 27, 2008 7:53 pm US/Eastern
Some N.J. Schools To Play It Safe Election Day
HACKENSACK, N.J. (CBS) ―
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With many schools acting as polling places, districts are playing it safe, rather than sorry. (File)
Alex Wong/Getty Images
With Election Day around the corner, some students in Hackensack are learning they're getting a day off. And with many schools acting as polling places, districts are playing it safe, rather than sorry.
Hackensack school officials have voted to do something different this election by closing the classrooms.
"It was kind of a no brainer," said Dr. Ed Kliszus, Superintendent of Hackensack Schools.
Kliszus is among more than a half-dozen superintendents who've recently decided to play it safe when it comes to the high voter turnout that is expected with this historic election.
"When you have that many people and we don't have control of who comes in and out like we normally do, I don't want the parents home worried without knowing who's in the building," said Kliszus.
State lawmakers even made their voices heard, sending letters to the districts outlining concerns about what a huge voter turnout might do to the election process, specifically the lack of parking if school is in session. One lawmaker wrote that voters, especially the elderly, aren't inclined to drive around looking for a spot, only to park a mile away.
"I'm glad that they're closing for the day because this way it'll give more people the opportunity to vote," said Rochelle Pizzo, a Hackensack parent.
But in nearby Leonia, schools will stay open with police stationing an officer at polling places, just in case.
"On a day when there's a big voter turnout, you don't know who you're dealing with. You want to make sure the kids are safe," said Leonia Police Lt. Thomas Rowe.
While some Leonia parents are hesitant about their district bucking the trend and staying open, others aren't concerned...
"Knowing there's going to be a police officer and there's only certain entrances you can come in from, I don't think its going to be an issue," said Leonia resident Rosa Riatto.
Each district CBS 2 contacted in the state of New York has traditionally taken Election Day off, with teachers and administrators taking part in professional development days while many of the schools are used for polling places.
(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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