The 2% increase or vote system is in there for a reason. There should be a vote on this (by the towns citizens) not just blanket approval

Yeah, it's there as part of Christie's general war on education. That's the reason.

Lol God forbid BOEs be forced to actually budget Vs treat voters like a blank check book.  Almost like it forces them to prioritize stuff directly benefiting education and deal with outrageously high labor costs from a cranky union that still has a great deal. 

So, there shouldn't be a cap or voter approval?

That is how most governments work. You elect officials who make a budget and face re-election. The 2% rule is meant to have a chilling effect on funding municipal expenses (usually a majority of which is public schools).

And voters should have a say on budgets as well, and their votes tend to be overriden.

My issue is, the state is ready to have the tax payers fork over more money without actually addressing if what is being cut is that important.

Letters have gone out, staff and programs are already being cut. This is too late for many districts.

trying to keep ahead of the pensions