Voters headed to the polls Sept. 17 for a special school election, voting on a number of construction proposals and other school-related questions.
Statewide, the New Jersey School Boards Association has learned of 14 school districts with questions on the ballot.
Statewide bonding amount proposed: $617,961,037.
State funding of proposed questions: $123,993,413.20
Not all results were available at the time this article was published, so final numbers of how much statewide bonding and stat funding was approved were not immediately clear.
The results below are unofficial and not yet certified. They are based on early tallies from county clerks and published reports.
Atlantic County
Northfield — UNAVAILABLE: The board of education is seeking authorization to a.) undertake the replacement of existing playground and equipment for American Disabilities Act compliance at the Northfield Community School; b.) undertake upgrades to the existing toilet room and locker room for ADA compliance, corridor flooring replacement, exterior door replacement, gutter and downspout replacement, kitchen equipment replacement, secure vestibule upgrades, water heater replacement and electrical service upgrades at the Northfield Community School; c.) undertake alterations to the existing media center at the Northfield Community School; d.) all such improvements to include the acquisition and installation of equipment and any necessary site work; e.) appropriate $8,600,000 to fund such improvements; f.) issue bonds or notes of the school district in the principal amount of $8,600,000; and g.) transfer local share funds between the school facilities projects.
The final eligible costs of all projects approved by the commissioner of education is $8,600,000. The state debt service aid percentage will equal 40% of the annual debt service due on the $8,600,000 principal amount of bonds or notes issued to fund the final eligible costs of the non-grant funded projects.
Total bonding amount: $8,600,000.
State funding: $3,440,000.
Bergen County
Hillsdale: The board of education is asking voters to decide two proposals. Both were approved.
Proposal No. 1 — APPROVED: The board is seeking authorization to a.) undertake the following improvements (including related work) in the school district (herein referred to as “Project No. 1”): a.) renovation of George G. White Middle School, including building interior and exterior reconstruction, alteration, upgrades and major repairs, upgrading or replacement of building systems, undertaking of site improvements, and, with respect to the following, if bond or note proceeds are available, the acquisition of new furniture, equipment and apparatus required for the renovated middle school; and b.) demolition of the existing multipurpose room at the middle school and the construction of a middle school addition, including a new multipurpose room with stage, classrooms, a food services area and related facilities, and, with respect to the following, if bond or note proceeds are available, the acquisition of new furniture, equipment and apparatus required for such addition; and c.) to expend therefor not exceeding $55,306,528; and d.) to issue bonds or notes of the school district for Project No. 1 in the principal amount not exceeding $55,306,528.
The commissioner of education has determined that the final eligible costs of the first proposal are $44,309,034. The state, pursuant to N.J.S.A. 18A:7G-9, has approved debt service aid equal to 40% of the annual debt service due with respect to the final eligible costs.
Total bonding amount: $55,306,528.
State funding: $17,723,613.60.
Proposal No. 2 — APPROVED: This proposal would not be effective unless proposal No. 1 is also approved by voters.
The board of education is also seeking authorization to a.) expand the addition to George G. White Middle School authorized in Proposal No. 1 by the construction of three classrooms, two science labs, a small group instruction room and related facilities, and, with respect to the following, if bond or note proceeds are available, the acquisition of new furniture, equipment and apparatus required for such expansion; b.) expend therefor not exceeding $7,052,833; and c.) issue bonds or notes of the school district for Project No. 2 in the principal amount not exceeding $7,052,833.
The commissioner of education has determined that this proposal is not eligible for state funding support (such as debt service aid) under N.J.S.A. 18A:7G-1 et seq.
Total bonding amount: $7,052,833.
State funding: None.
Tenafly – REJECTED (Note: Early results indicate a very close vote, with 1,116 votes in favor and 1,127 votes against): The board of education is seeking authorization to a.) undertake the construction of an addition and various renovations, improvements, alterations and upgrades at Mackay Elementary School, Smith Elementary School and Stillman Elementary School, including acquisition and installation of fixtures, furniture, equipment and any site work; b.) undertake the construction of an addition and various renovations, improvements, alterations, upgrades and upgrades and improvements to the athletic facilities at Maugham Elementary School and at Tenafly Middle School, including acquisition and installation of fixtures, furniture, equipment and any site work; c.) undertake various renovations, improvements, alterations, upgrades and improvements to the athletic facilities at Tenafly High School, including acquisition and installation of fixtures, furniture, equipment and any site work; d.) undertake various renovations, improvements, alterations and upgrades to the Central Office Administration Building, including acquisition and installation of fixtures, furniture, equipment and any site work; e.) appropriate $76,097,000 for such improvements; and f.) issue bonds in an amount not to exceed $76,097,000.
The final eligible costs for the projects approved by the commissioner of education are $48,636,053 (consisting of $3,012,568 for Mackay Elementary School, $5,920,047 for Smith Elementary School, $5,506,125 for Stillman Elementary School, $4,778,313 for Maugham Elementary School, $13,734,000 for Tenafly Middle School, $15,685,000 for Tenafly High School and $0 for the Central Office Administration Building). The projects include $15,783,950 (consisting of $108,750 for Mackay Elementary School, $0 for Smith Elementary School, $97,500 for Stillman Elementary School, $192,500 for Maugham Elementary School, $6,943,200 for Tenafly Middle School, $7,188,000 for Tenafly High School and $1,254,000 for the Central Office Administration Building) 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: $76,097,000.
State funding: $19,454,421.20.
Camden County
Collingswood – REJECTED: The board of education is seeking authorization to a.) acquire by purchase, gift, or condemnation land located at Block No. 71, Lot No. 1 (portion of), as identified on the tax map of the Borough of Collingswood and to then undertake various improvements, alterations, renovations and upgrades, and to construct an addition at the new Upper Elementary School to be located on the newly acquired property, including acquisition and installation of fixtures, furniture, equipment and any site work; b.) undertake various improvements, alterations, renovations and upgrades and to construct an addition at Zane North Elementary School, including acquisition and installation of a new American Disabilities Act compliant playground, fixtures, furniture, equipment and any site work; c.) acquire and install a new ADA compliant playground at William P. Tatem Elementary School and at Mark Newbie Elementary School, including acquisition and installation of fixtures, equipment and any site work; d.) undertake the construction of various athletic facilities projects and related facilities and structures, including but not limited to grandstands, a press box, lighting, fencing, the installation of synthetic turf, track and various athletic field upgrades at Collingswood High School, including acquisition and installation of fixtures, furniture, equipment and any site work; e.) appropriate $44,529,520 for such improvements; and f.) issue bonds in an amount not to exceed $44,529,520.
The final eligible costs for the projects approved by the commissioner of education are $11,837,515 (consisting of $6,211,334 for the new Upper Elementary School, $3,363,330 for Zane North Elementary School, $350,000 for William P. Tatem Elementary School, $350,000 for Mark Newbie Elementary School and $1,562,851 for Collingswood High School). The projects include $6,964,685 (consisting of $0 for the new Upper Elementary School, $0 for Zane North Elementary School, $0 for William P. Tatem Elementary School, $0 for Mark Newbie Elementary School and $6,964,685 for Collingswood 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: $44,529,520.
State funding: $4,735,006.
Cape May County
Dennis Township – REJECTED: The board of education is seeking authorization to raise an additional $2,200,000 for the general fund in the same school year of 2024-2025. These taxes will be used exclusively for the programs and services for the students of Dennis Township School District.
The funds would be used for the following purposes:
- Maintain teachers and instructional assistants.
- Maintain 2022-2023 level of programs.
- Maintain facilities.
- Replacement bus to support current level of transportation.
- Maintain current level of funding for athletics and co-curricular activities.
Approval of these taxes would result in a permanent increase in the district’s tax levy of $2,200,000.
The district notes that it has been impacted significantly by the state funding formula, which has reduced school aid by over $4.2 million dollars over the past six years. The district is seeking additional funding to support the maintenance of class sizes at the 2022-2023 level of approximately 22 students per grade level. Class sizes, without approval of the public question, will be over 30 students in most homerooms in grades K-8. The district also noted it expects continued enrollment growth. Approval of the question will also support student instructional materials for existing programs and replacement of outdated student technology necessary for student achievement. Afterschool programming, which includes all clubs and sports, will be returned to the 2022-2023 level.
Without this funding, all clubs and sports (not funded through grants) would be eliminated. Also included is the purchase of a bus to replace a retirement-aged bus to maintain the bus fleet to provide students safe passage to school due to the lack of sidewalks or other safe pathways.
Middle Township — REJECTED: The board of education is seeking authorization to a.) undertake the construction of an addition and various renovations, improvements, alterations and upgrades at Middle Township Elementary School #1 and Middle Township Elementary School #2, including acquisition and installation of fixtures, furniture, equipment and any site work; b.) the installation of a turf field, drainage improvements, fencing and field lighting and the replacement of bleachers and a press box at Memorial Field, and the resurfacing of tennis courts at Middle Township High School, including acquisition and installation of fixtures, furniture, equipment and any site work; c.) to appropriate $26,579,876 for such improvements; and d.) to issue bonds in an amount not to exceed $26,579,876.
The final eligible costs for the projects approved by the commissioner of education are $8,889,238 (consisting of $6,141,200 for Middle Township Elementary School #1, $2,748,038 for Middle Township Elementary School #2 and $0 for the athletic facilities improvements at Middle Township High School and Memorial Field). The projects include $7,991,338 (consisting of $1,244,100 for Middle Township Elementary School #1, $1,851,850 for Middle Township Elementary School #2, and $4,895,388 for the athletic facilities improvements at Middle Township High School and Memorial Field) 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: $26,579,876.
State funding: $3,555,695.20.
Cumberland County
Greenwich Township and Stow Creek — APPROVED: The Stow Creek School District Board of Education and the Greenwich Township School District Board of Education are asking voters if they should join together to form the limited-purpose PK-8 Greenwich-Stow Creek Regional School District, with Stow Creek Township and Greenwich Township joining as constituent members, with the annual and special appropriations for such a two-constituent PK-8 regional school district to be apportioned upon the following basis: 100% on each municipality’s equalized valuation allocated to the regional district as provided by state law, and 0% on the proportional number of pupils enrolled from each municipality on the 15th day of October of the prebudget year.
A vote of “yes” would permit the boards of education to form a limited-purpose regional school district by joining together as a single entity called the PK-8 Greenwich-Stow Creek Regional School District. These two districts currently operate the Greenwich-Stow Creek partnership under which a joint administration collaboratively educates students from both districts at the Morris Goodwin School for grades PK-4 and the Stow Creek School for grades 5-8. However, there is a separate board of education governing each school, which means that the partnership requires separate elections, separate meetings and has separate obligations with regard to the New Jersey State Department of Education.
The formation of the limited purpose regional school district would increase efficiency by having both districts join together and be governed by a single board of education. The costs of the new regional district would be proportionally shared by both townships based upon the equalized property valuation in each township. Students in the new district would continue to attend the Morris Goodwin School for grades PK-4 and the Stow Creek School for grades 5-8. The students would also continue to attend Cumberland Regional High School.
Mercer County
Hopewell Township, Hopewell Borough and Pennington Borough — REJECTED: The Hopewell Valley Regional School District board of education is seeking authorization to a.) undertake the construction of an addition and various renovations, improvements, alterations and upgrades to Bear Tavern Elementary School and Toll Gate Grammar School, including acquisition and installation of fixtures, furniture, equipment and any site work; b.) undertake the construction of various renovations, improvements, alterations, upgrades and upgrades and improvements to the athletic facilities at Timberlane Middle School, including acquisition and installation of fixtures, furniture, equipment and any site work; c.) undertake various renovations, improvements, alterations, upgrades and upgrades and improvements to the athletic facilities consisting of the construction of a toilet room building and concession stand at Hopewell Valley Central High School, including acquisition and installation of fixtures, furniture, equipment and any site work; d.) undertake various renovations, improvements, alterations and upgrades to Hopewell Elementary School and Stony Brook Elementary School, including acquisition and installation of fixtures, furniture, equipment and any site work; e.) appropriate $87,150,000 for such improvements; and f.) issue bonds in an amount not to exceed $87,150,000.
The final eligible costs for the projects approved by the commissioner of education are $59,652,998 (consisting of $9,145,398 for Bear Tavern Elementary School, $3,862,000 for Toll Gate Grammar School, $24,454,600 for Timberlane Middle School, $9,329,000 for Hopewell Valley Central High School, $9,508,000 for Hopewell Elementary School and $3,354,000 for Stony Brook Elementary School). The projects include $6,198,586 (consisting of $2,696,980 for Bear Tavern Elementary School, $1,407,406 for Toll Gate Grammar School, $1,854,400 for Timberlane Middle School, $239,800 Hopewell Valley Central High School, $0 for Hopewell Elementary School and $0 for Stony Brook Elementary 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: $87,150,000.
State funding: $23,861,199.20.
Monmouth County
Little Silver — REJECTED: The board of education is seeking authorization to raise an additional $223,000 for general funds in the 2024-25 school year. These taxes would be used to provide services from the Little Silver Police Department for three Class III special law enforcement officers to provide security services to the district’s schools. Approval of these taxes would result in a permanent increase in the district’s tax levy. The additional taxes authorized would be used exclusively for purposes described herein and to finance expenditures that are in addition to those necessary to achieve the New Jersey Student Learning Standards.
Morris County
Randolph — APPROVED: The board of education is seeking authorization to a.) undertake various improvements, alterations, renovations and upgrades at Center Grove Elementary School, Fernbrook Elementary School, Ironia Elementary School, Shongum Elementary School, Randolph Middle School and Randolph High School, including acquisition and installation of fixtures, furniture, equipment and any site work; and b.) appropriate $41,411,101 for such improvements; and c.) issue bonds in an amount not to exceed $41,411,101.
The final eligible costs for the projects approved by the commissioner of education are $41,411,101 (consisting of $3,593,094 for Center Grove Elementary School, $3,441,773 for Fernbrook Elementary School, $8,095,866 for Ironia Elementary School, $8,280,424 for Shongum Elementary School, $7,817,627 for Randolph Middle School and $10,182,317 for Randolph High 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: $41,411,101.
State funding: $16,564,440.
Ocean County
Bay Head – APPROVED – The board of education is seeking authorization to a.) undertake various renovations, improvements, alterations and upgrades at Bay Head Elementary School, including acquisitions and installation of fixtures, equipment and any site work; b.) appropriate $2,988,510 for such improvements; and c.) issue bonds in an amount not to exceed $2,988,510.
The final eligible costs for the projects approved by the commissioner of education are $2,949,510. The projects include $39,000 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: $2,988,510.
State funding: $1,179,804.
Stafford – APPROVED: The board of education is seeking authorization to a.) undertake various renovations, improvements, alterations and upgrades at Ronald L. Meinders Primary Learning Center, McKinley Elementary School, Ocean Acres Elementary School and Stafford Intermediate School, including acquisition and installation of fixtures, furniture, equipment and any site work; b.) to undertake the construction of an addition and various renovations, improvements, alterations and upgrades to Oxycocus Elementary School, including acquisition and installation of fixtures, furniture, equipment and any site work; c.) to appropriate $75,725,650 for such improvements; and d.) to issue bonds in an amount not to exceed $75,725,650.
The final eligible costs for the projects approved by the commissioner of education are $39,846,950 (consisting of $5,627,050 for Ronald L. Meinders Primary Learning Center, $3,989,700 for McKinley Elementary School, $7,192,900 for Ocean Acres Elementary School, $2,616,900 for Stafford Intermediate School and $20,420,400 for Oxycocus Elementary School). The projects include $2,860,000 (consisting of $0 for Ronald L. Meinders Primary Learning Center, $0 for McKinley Elementary School, $0 for Ocean Acres Elementary School, $0 for Stafford Intermediate School and $2,860,000 for Oxycocus Elementary 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: $75,725,650.
State funding: $15,938,780.
Union County
Scotch Plains-Fanwood School District — REJECTED: The board of education had two bond proposals on the ballot. While early results showed that voters approved of the second question, it would only go into effect if the first question passed. Initial results showed that voters rejected the first question. If those results hold, neither proposal would go into effect.
Bond Proposal No. 1 — REJECTED: The board of education is seeking authorization to a.) acquire by purchase, gift, or condemnation the property located at Block No. 91, Lot No. 26, as identified on the tax map of the Borough of Fanwood; b.) undertake various improvements, alterations, renovations, and upgrades, and the construction of additions to create the La Grande Elementary School on the newly acquired property, including acquisition and installation of fixtures, furniture, equipment and any site work; c.) appropriate $81,413,018 for such acquisition and improvements; and d.) issue bonds in an amount not to exceed $81,413,018.
The final eligible costs for the projects approved by the commissioner of education are $10,144,134. The projects include $11,063,900 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: $81,413,018.
State funding: $4,057,653.60.
Bond Proposal No. 2: (Only goes into effect if bond proposal question No. 1 is also approved by the voters.) While voters approved this question, if early results hold, it will also be rejected since the first question was voted down.
The board of education was also seeking authorization to (a) undertake various improvements, alterations, renovations, and upgrades, including but not limited to, the electrical system, fire alarm system, HVAC, and various relating building improvements to Brunner Elementary School, Coles Elementary School, and Evergreen Elementary School, including acquisition and installation of fixtures, equipment, and any site work; (b) undertake various improvements, alterations, renovations, and upgrades, including but not limited to, the electrical system, HVAC, and various relating building improvements to McGinn Elementary School, Nettingham Middle School, Terrill Middle School, and Scotch Plains-Fanwood High School, including acquisition and installation of fixtures, equipment, and any site work; (c) undertake various improvements, alterations, renovations, and upgrades, including but not limited to, the electrical system, fire alarm system, and various related building improvements to School One Elementary School, including acquisition and installation of fixtures, equipment, and any site work; (d) appropriate $33,707,001 for such improvements; and (e) issue bonds in an amount not to exceed $33,707,001.
The final eligible costs for the projects approved by the New Jersey commissioner of education are $33,707,001 (consisting of $2,414,740 for Brunner Elementary School, $5,226,350 for Coles Elementary School, $5,242,861 for Evergreen Elementary School, $3,125,330 for McGinn Elementary School, $3,978,570 for Nettingham Middle School, $9,227,940 for Terrill Middle School, $3,354,490 for Scotch Plains-Fanwood High School, and $1,136,720 for School One Elementary School). 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: $33,707,001.
State funding: $13,482,800.40.
School Board Notes will update this story with additional results as they become available.