Voters in seven New Jersey school districts went to the polls on Tuesday, Dec. 13 to act on $171.5 million in school construction proposals, including a new school, several additions, roof repairs and other improvements. In five districts proposals were approved, for a total $135 million in construction.
Construction proposals appeared on ballots in school districts in Hunterdon, Middlesex, Monmouth and Ocean counties. Each of the projects, if approved, would receive state funding to cover part of the cost. The state gives priority to projects that address health and safety, such as roof and window replacement; compliance with construction code and the Americans with Disabilities Act; and some security enhancements.
Under the Educational Facilities and Construction and Financing Act of 2000, the state provides funds to cover at least 40 percent of eligible school construction costs.
The second Tuesday in December is one of five dates on which a school board may propose a bond issue or special question to voters. The next date available for special elections will be Jan. 24, 2017.
Below is a summary of results of the Dec. 13 school construction proposals.
STATEWIDE
Total amount proposed – $171,533,283
Total amount approved — $135,078,354
Total amount eligible for state reimbursement –$40,733,789 (State reimbursement is made through the payment of annual debt service aid.)
Total amount eligible for state reimbursement approved — $31,878,540
HUNTERDON COUNTY
Alexandria Township — REJECTED — Addition and renovations at Alexandria Middle School to allow the consolidation of grades PreK-8 at the middle school and the closure of Lester D. Wilson School
Total amount: $8,273,089
State funds: $1,663,537
Clinton-Glen Gardner School District — APPROVED — Redesign media center to be a collaborative learning commons and “makerspace;” upgrade doors to improve security; other upgrades
Total amount: $985,000
State funds: $394,000
MONMOUTH COUNTY
Hazlet — APPROVED — Improvements to eight school buildings, including new HVAC, roof replacements, and safety improvements
Total amount: $43,667,516
State funds: $17,467,006
Millstone Township — APPROVED — Rehabilitate roofs at Millstone Primary and Millstone Elementary schools
Total amount: $2,938,442
State funds: $1,040,000
Shrewsbury — ALL REJECTED — Four proposals, totaling $28,181,840, for an addition, renovations and improvements
Proposal 1: Renovations, alterations and improvements at Shrewsbury Elementary School
Total amount: $13,400,790
State funds: $5,360,316
Proposal 2 (contingent upon approval of Proposal 1):
An addition and other renovations and improvements to Shrewsbury Elementary School
Total amount: $11,188,500
State funds: $1,174,376
Proposal 3 (contingent upon approval of Proposal 1):
Acquisition and installation of solar panels at Shrewsbury Elementary School
Total amount: $1,642,550
State funds: $657,020
Proposal 4 (contingent upon approval of Proposals 1 and 2):
Acquisition of land at 720 Broad Street, Shrewsbury
Total amount: $1,950,000
MIDDLESEX COUNTY
North Brunswick — APPROVED — Construction of a new school on land to be acquired by the district, and alterations, renovations and improvements at Linwood School
Total amount: $77,348,000
State funds: $8,921,775
OCEAN COUNTY
Stafford Township — APPROVED — Renovations, alterations and improvements to five schools
Total amount: $10,139,396
State funds: $4,055,759