Why A Referendum?

  • To fund critical projects addressing infrastructure integrity and indoor environmental quality.

  • Despite extensive "band-aid" repairs, the actively leaking roofs are past their service life and need immediate action.

  • The heating and ventilation equipment is currently more than 30 years old and beyond its service life.

  • These projects directly contribute to the health, comfort, and learning environment for students.

  • Extended delays risk failures that could severely disrupt school operations and student learning.

  • Many of our children and staff have health conditions that necessitate improved air quality and cooling.

  • Patch repairs seem cheaper initially but are not sustainable and cost more over time.

  • These big ticket projects are too costly to be supported by the district's annual budget.

Benefits

  • Protecting valuable community assets (our school buildings).

  • The state will cover 34% of the cost "when the referendum passes".

  • Property values will be maintained as we cultivate a collective sense of community.

What If We Don't Act?

  • Concerns about the potential for a catastrophic failure that could result in remote learning

  • Continued detriment to learning environment.

  • Persistent and costly maintenance and repairs are placing a significant strain on district resources.

  • Negative impact to community image and reputation.

Why The High Cost?

  • NJ School Projects are public work, this means Prevailing Wage for each trade and posting on site, which increases labor cost versus private residential work.

  • Projects funded through a referendum are subject to strict oversight by the New Jersey Department of Education. The district must pay for the costs of ensuring compliance with state regulations.

  • A referendum gives us a safe and fiscally responsive solution that protects both taxpayers' and our children's learning environment. It's not about a quick fix- it's about doing things the right way, the safe way, and the way that will serve our community for decades to come.