Voters Decide Construction Questions in Special School Elections

TRENTON Dec. 15, 2023 – Voters headed to the polls Dec. 12 for a special school election, deciding whether to approve or reject a number of construction proposals.

Statewide, the New Jersey School Boards Association learned of six boards of education with construction questions on the ballot.

Statewide bonding amount approved: $103,763,325
State funding of proposed questions: $35,511,570

Under the Educational Facilities and Construction and Financing Act of 2000, the state will fund at least 40% of eligible school construction costs through annual debt service aid.

The results below are compiled from published reports and county clerk websites. They are unofficial and not yet certified.

Bergen County

River Edge and Oradell – APPROVED – The River Dell Regional School District sought authorization to undertake various improvements, alterations, renovations and upgrades to River Dell Regional Middle School and to River Dell Regional High School, including acquisition and installation of fixtures, furniture, equipment and any site work; (b) to appropriate $18,691,750 for such improvements; and (c) to issue bonds in an amount not to exceed $18,691,750. The final eligible costs for the projects approved by the New Jersey Commissioner of Education are $18,691,750 (consisting of $9,876,500 for River Dell Regional Middle School and $8,815,250 for River Dell Regional High School). The project includes $0 for school facility construction elements in addition to the facilities efficiency standards developed by the Commissioner of Education or not otherwise eligible for state support pursuant to N.J.S.A. 18A:7G-5(g). The state debt service aid percentage will equal 40% of the annual debt service due with respect to the final eligible costs of the projects.

Total bonding amount: $18,691,750
State funding: $7,476,700

Morris County

Madison Borough: The board of education asked voters to approve three bond proposals.

Bond Proposal No. 1 – APPROVED — The board of education sought authorization to a) undertake various improvements alterations, renovations and upgrades at Central Avenue Elementary School, Kings Road Elementary School, Torey J. Sabatini Elementary School, Madison Junior School and Madison High School, including but not limited to, as applicable, ADA improvements, replacement of interior doors, flooring and ceilings electrical improvements and upgrades, replacement of fire alarms, renovations to toilet rooms, security improvements, replacement of various exit signs, the acquisition and installation of public address systems, and asbestos abatement, including acquisition and installation of fixtures, furniture, equipment and any site work; b) to undertake the reroofing of portions of Madison High School, including any site work; c) to appropriate $49,419,482 for such improvements and d) to issue bonds in an amount not to exceed $49,419,482.

The final eligible costs for the projects approved by the New Jersey Commissioner of Education are $45,777,364 (consisting of $8,142,952 for the Central Avenue Elementary School, $5,719,752 for Kings Road Elementary School; $5,501,869 for Torey J. Sabatini Elementary School, $8,863,287 for Madison Junior School, and $17,549,504 for Madison High School.) The projects include $3,642,118 (consisting of $539,909 for Central Avenue Elementary School, $302,366 for Kings Road Elementary School, $208,623 for Torey J. Sabatini Elementary School, $835,287 for Madison Junior School and $1,755,933 for Madison High School) for school facility construction elements in addition to the facilities efficiency standards developed by the commissioner of education or not otherwise eligible for state support pursuant to N.J.S.A. 18A:7G5(g). The state debt service aid percentage will equal 40% of the annual debt service due with respect to the final eligible costs of the projects.

Total bonding amount: $49,419,482.
State funding: $18,310,945.60

Bond Proposal No. 2 – APPROVED — This bond proposal could only have gone into effect if bond proposal question No. 1 was also approved by voters.

The board of education sought authorization to undertake various improvements, alterations, renovations and upgrades at Central Avenue Elementary School, Kings Road Elementary School, Torey J. Sabatini Elementary School, Madison Junior School and Madison High School, including but not limited to, as applicable, HVAC upgrades, including acquisition and installation of fixtures, equipment and any site work; b) to purchase and install generators for Central Avenue Elementary School, Kings Road Elementary School, Torey J. Sabatini Elementary School, Madison Junior School, and Madison High School, C) to replace windows at Central Avenue School; d) to appropriate $11,626,500 for such improvements, and e) to issue bonds in an amount not to exceed $11,626,500.

The final eligible costs for the projects approved by the New Jersey Commissioner of Education are $10,994,713 (consisting of $2,823,250 for Central Avenue Elementary School, $751,048 for Kings Road Elementary School, $954,530 for Torey J. Sabatini Elementary School, $2,329,110 for Madison Junior School and $4,136,775 for Madison High School.) The projects include $631,485 (consisting of $0 for Central Avenue Elementary School, $93,900 for Kings Road Elementary School, $51,720 for Torey J. Sabatini Elementary School, $137,640 for Madison Junior School and $348,225 for Madison High School) for school facility construction elements in addition to the facilities efficiency standards developed by the commissioner of education or not otherwise eligible for state support pursuant to N.J.S.A. 18A:7G-5(g). The state debt service aid percentage will equal 40% of the annual debt service due with respect to the final eligible costs of the projects.

Total bonding amount: $11,626,500
State funding: $4,397,885.20

Bond Proposal No. 3 – APPROVED — This bond proposal could only go into effect if bond proposal questions No. 1 and 2 were also approved by the voters.

The board of education sought authorization to a) undertake various improvements, alterations, renovations and upgrades, consisting of exterior improvements, sidewalk replacement, playground upgrades and to construct an addition at Central Avenue Elementary School, including the acquisition and installation of fixtures, equipment and any site work; b) to undertake various improvements, alterations, renovations and upgrades, consisting of exterior improvements, sidewalk replacement and to construct an addition and to undertake various renovations to the multipurpose room at Kings Road Elementary School, including the acquisition and installation of fixtures, equipment and any site work, c) to undertake various improvements, alterations, renovations and upgrades, consisting of exterior improvements and sidewalk replacement at Torey J. Sabatini Elementary School, including the acquisition and installation of fixtures, equipment and any site work; d) to undertake various improvements, alterations, renovations and upgrades, consisting of exterior improvements, sidewalk repair, paving upgrades and athletic fields repairs and upgrades at Madison Junior School, including the acquisition and installation of fixtures, equipment and any site work; e) to undertake various improvements, alterations, renovations and upgrades, consisting of exterior improvements, sidewalk repair, paving upgrades, athletic fields repairs and upgrades, including new turf, and renovations to the gymnasium, including the acquisition and installation of fixtures, equipment and any site work; f) to appropriate $18,311,703 for such improvements; and g) to issue bonds in an amount not to exceed $18,311,703.

The final eligible costs for the projects approved by the New Jersey Commissioner of Education are $7,601,208 (consisting of $1,499,978 for Central Avenue Elementary School, $621,294 for Kings Road Elementary School, $49,522 for Torey J. Sabatini Elementary School, $970,585 for Madison Junior School and $4,459,829 for Madison High School). The projects include $3,526,091 (consisting of $531,582 for Central Avenue Elementary School, $33,940 for Kings Road Elementary School, $23,158 for Torey J. Sabatini Elementary School, $215,030 for Madison Junior School and $2,722,381 for Madison High School) for school facility construction elements in addition to the facilities efficiency standards developed by the commissioner of education or not otherwise eligible for state support pursuant to N.J.S.A. 18A:7G-5(g). The state debt service aid percentage will equal 40% of the annual debt service due with respect to the final eligible costs of the projects.

Total bonding amount: $18,311,703
State funding: $3,040,483.20

Mount Olive Township

The board of education sought approval of two bond proposals.

Bond Proposal No. 1 – REJECTED – The board of education sought authorization to a) undertake various HVAC improvements, alterations and upgrades and to remove and to replace the roof at Chester M. Stephens Elementary School b) to undertake various HVAC improvements, alterations and upgrades to remove and replace the roof at Mountain View Elementary School. c) to undertake various HVAC improvements, alterations and upgrades, to remove and to replace the roof and to construct an addition at Sandshore Elementary School. d) to undertake various HVAC improvements, alterations and upgrades and to construct an addition at Tinc Road Elementary School; e) to undertake various HVAC improvements, alterations and upgrades, to remove and to replace the roof and to construct an addition at Mount Olive Middle School; f) to undertake various renovations, improvements, alterations and upgrades, various HVAC improvements, alterations and upgrades, to remove and to replace the roof and to undertake paving and parking lot upgrades at Mount Olive High School; g) to appropriate $52,802,178 for such improvements and h) to issue bonds in an amount not to exceed $52,802,178. All such improvements set forth above shall include, as applicable, the acquisition of any fixtures, furniture, equipment and any site work necessary therefor or incidental thereto.

The final eligible costs for the projects approved by the New Jersey Commissioner of Education are $32,648,460 (consisting of $4,223,700 for Chester M. Stephens Elementary School, $5,633,880 for Mount View Elementary School, $3,467,880 for Sandshore Elementary School, $1,026,000 for Tinc Road Elementary School, $8,939,160 for Mount Olive Middle School and $10,266,840 for Mount Olive High School). The projects include $4,321,460 (consisting of $0 for Chester M. Stephens Elementary School, $0 for Mount View Elementary School, $1,201,200 for Sandshore Elementary School, $1,201,200 for Tinc Road Elementary School, $1,919,060 for Mount Olive Middle School and $0 for Mount Olive High School) for school facility construction elements in addition to the facilities efficiency standards developed by the commissioner of education or not otherwise eligible for state support pursuant to N.J.S.A. 16A:7G-5(g). The state debt service aid percentage will equal 40% of the annual debt service due with respect to the final eligible costs of the projects.

Total bonding amount: $52,802,178
State funding: $13,059,384

Bond Proposal No. 2 – REJECTED – This could only go into effect if bond proposal question No. 1 was also approved by the voters.

The board of education sought authorization to a) undertake the demolition of and the construction of a new Transportation Maintenance Building and Transportation Office Facility on the grounds of Mount Olive Middle School; b) to undertake various improvements, alterations, renovations and to construct an addition at Mount Olive High School; c) to appropriate $8,973,111 for such improvements and d) to issue bonds in an amount not to exceed $8,973,111. All such improvements set forth above shall include, as applicable, the acquisition of any fixtures, furniture, equipment and any site work necessary therefor or incidental thereto.

The final eligible costs of the projects approved by the New Jersey Commissioner of Education are $1,289,511 (consisting of $0 for the new Transportation Maintenance Building and Transportation Office Facility on the grounds of Mount Olive Middle School and $1,289,511 for Mount Olive High School). The projects include $1,859,000 (consisting of $1,001,000 for the new Transportation Maintenance Building and Transportation Office Facility on the grounds of Mount Olive Middle School and $858,000 for Mount Olive High School) for school facility construction elements in addition to the facilities efficiency standards developed by the commissioner of education or not otherwise eligible for state support pursuant to N.J.S.A. 18A:7G-5(g). The state debt service aid percentage will equal 40% of the annual debt service due with respect to the final eligible costs of the projects.

Total bonding amount: $8,973,111
State funding: $515,804.40

Montville

The board of education asked voters to authorize two bond proposals.

Bond Proposal No. 1 – REJECTED — The board of education sought  authorization to a) undertake various improvements, alterations, renovations and upgrades and to construct classroom additions at Cedar Hill Elementary School and Valley View Elementary School, including acquisition and installation of fixtures, furniture, equipment and any site work; b) to undertake various improvements, alterations, renovations and upgrades, and to construct a classroom and multipurpose room addition at Hilldale Elementary School, including acquisition and installation of fixtures, furniture, equipment and any site work; c) to undertake various improvements, alterations, renovations and upgrades and to construct classroom and multipurpose room additions at William Mason Elementary School and Woodmont Elementary School, including the acquisition and installation of fixtures, furniture, equipment, new parking and any site work; d) to appropriate $53,002,289 for such improvements; and e) to issue bonds in an amount not to exceed $53,002,289.

The final eligible costs for the projects approved by the New Jersey Commissioner of Education are $10,799,338 (consisting of $2,310,032 for Cedar Hill Elementary School, $2,241,857 for Valley View Elementary School, $1,716,819 for Hilldale Elementary School, $2,128,186 for William Mason Elementary School and $2,402,444 for Woodmont Elementary School). The projects include $5,673,267 (consisting of $0 for Cedar Hill Elementary School, $0 for Valley View Elementary School, $620,620 for Hilldale Elementary School, $4,455,050 for William Mason Elementary School and $597,597 for Woodmont Elementary School) for school facility construction elements in addition to the facilities efficiency standard developed by the commissioner of education or not otherwise eligible for state support pursuant to N.J.S.A.  18A:7G-5(g). The state debt service aid percentage will equal 40% of the annual debt service due with respect to the final eligible costs of the projects.

Total bonding amount: $53,002,289
State funding: $4,319,735.20

Bond Proposal No. 2 – This bond proposal was REJECTED as it was only scheduled to go into effect if bond proposal question No. 1 was also approved by the voters.

The board of education sought authorization to a) construct a security vestibule at Montville High School, Valley View Elementary School, William Mason Elementary School and Woodmont Elementary School, including acquisition and installation of fixtures, furniture, equipment and any site work; b) to undertake various improvements, alterations, renovations and upgrades to the HVAC systems at Cedar Hill Elementary School, Hilldale Elementary School, Robert R. Lazar Middle School, William Mason Elementary School and Woodmont Elementary School, including acquisition and installation of fixtures, equipment and any site work; c) to appropriate $16,980,314 for such improvements; and d) to issue bonds in an amount not to exceed $16,980,314.

The final eligible costs for the projects approved by the New Jersey Commissioner of Education are $16,980,314 (consisting of $354,600 for Montville High School, $137,343 for Valley View Elementary School, $3,016,931 for William Mason Elementary School, $3,410,460 for Woodmont Elementary School, $3,193,260 for Cedar Hill Elementary School, $2,326,980 for Hilldale Elementary School and $4,540,740 for Robert R. Lazar Middle School.) The projects include $0 for school facility construction elements in addition to the facilities efficiency standards developed by the commissioner of education or not otherwise eligible for state support pursuant to N.J.S.A. 18A:7G-5(g). The state debt service aid percentage will equal 40% of the annual debt service due with respect to the final eligible costs of the projects.

Total bonding amount: $16,980,314
State funding: $6,792,125.60

Ocean County

Point Pleasant Beach – REJECTED – The board of education sought authorization to a) remove the existing Board of Education Building located at the Antrim Elementary School site and to construct an occupational therapy and physical therapy room, child study team rooms and administration offices and to construct a new Field House containing athletic facilities and locker rooms; 2) construct building and site upgrades at the Antrim Elementary School, including site drainage improvements, construction of ADA compliant playground, masonry repair, flooring replacement and installation of access controls to interior doors, fire alarm system, stage lighting, turf field, track and new bleachers, construct tennis courts and basketball court, reconstruct maintenance building and construct concession seating area; 3) construct locker room upgrade at Antrim Elementary School; 4) construct classroom alterations and outdoor physical education space at Point Pleasant Beach High School, including casework, flooring, ceilings, light fixtures, kitchen equipment and furniture, remove tennis courts and install fencing, turf, pavers, plants and seating, construct a pergola and acquire classroom and outdoor furniture; 5) construct various system upgrades at Point Pleasant Beach High School, including flooring and locker upgrades, lighting and boiler replacement, exterior door access controls upgrades and curtainwall replacement; 6) make the necessary onsite and offsite improvements and to purchase the necessary equipment, furniture, apparatus and fixtures associated with each of the foregoing projects; 7) appropriate for all of the foregoing $23,939,845; to be partially funded by $2,000,000 from the board’s capital reserve fund; 8) issue bonds of the board of education for said purposes in an amount not to exceed $21,939,845; and 9) to transfer any unexpended local share between the foregoing projects. The board may further offset the amount of bonds to be issued with any donations available at the time of bond issuance.

The approved state aid for the foregoing projects is in the form of annual state debt service aid, with the amount of such annual state debt service aid to be 40% of the annual principal and interest payable on the projects’ final eligible costs approved by the commissioner of education (which final eligible costs are equal to $5,390,230), or 9% of the annual principal and interest payable on the total costs of the projects.

The projects include $18,549,615 in school facilities construction elements in addition to the facilities efficiency standards developed by the commissioner of education or that are not otherwise eligible for state support pursuant to N.J.S.A. 18:A-7G-5(g). $2,000,000 from the board’s capital reserve funds shall fund excess costs not otherwise eligible for state support for the purpose set forth in 1 above.

Total bonding amount: $21,939,845
State funding: $2,156,092

Passaic County

Pompton Lakes Borough – APPROVED – The board of education sought authorization to (a) undertake various safety and security related renovations, alterations, improvements and upgrades to Pompton Lakes High School, Lakeside Middle School and to the adjacent administration offices, Lincoln Elementary School and Lenox Elementary School, including acquisition and installation of fixtures, equipment and any site work; (b) to appropriate $5,713,890 for such improvements; and (c) to issue bonds in an amount not to exceed $5,713,890.

The final eligible costs for the projects approved by the New Jersey Commissioner of Education are $5,713,890 (consisting of $1,911,650 for Pompton Lakes High School, $844,480 for Lakeside Middle School and to the adjacent Administration Offices, $2,191,540 for Lincoln Elementary School and $766,220 for Lenox Elementary School). The projects include $0 for school facility construction elements in addition to the facilities efficiency standards developed by the commissioner of education or not otherwise eligible for state support pursuant to N.J.S.A. 18A:7G-5(g). The state debt service aid percentage will equal 40% of the annual debt service due with respect to the final eligible costs of the projects.

Total bonding amount: $5,713,890
State funding: $2,285,556