Voters went to the polls on Nov. 4 to vote on school board members, school construction questions, and other proposals.

Rate of Candidacy

This year there are 1,827 candidates running for 1,556 seats on school boards of education. The ratio of candidates per open seat is 1.17.

This represents a decrease from 2024, when 1,937 candidates field petitions to run for the 1,512 school board positions on the ballot. The ratio of candidates per open seat was 1.28.

Statewide, the New Jersey School Boards Association learned of eight (8) boards of education with construction proposals on the ballot. Four (4) districts had other questions on the ballot.

Statewide bonding amount proposed: $207,177,339
State funding amount: $64,749,098.80

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.

Below are the unofficial results compiled from the offices of the county clerks and published reports.

Bond Proposal Questions

Atlantic County

Somers Point (APPROVED)

Bond Proposal – The Board of Education of the City of Somers Point in the County of Atlantic, New Jersey (the “Board”) is authorized to: (a) undertake various improvements, renovations, alterations and upgrades to Jordan Road Elementary School, including acquisition and installation of fixtures, furniture, equipment, and any site work; (b) undertake various improvements, renovations, alterations and upgrades to Dawes Avenue Elementary School, including acquisition and installation of fixtures, furniture, equipment, and any site work; (c) recoat the roof at the New York Avenue Building, including any site work; (d) appropriate $5,575,000 for such improvements; and (e) issue bonds in an amount not to exceed $5,575,000.

The final eligible costs for the projects approved by the New Jersey Commissioner of Education are $5,499,235 (consisting of $4,301,976 for Jordan Road Elementary School, $1,197,259 for Dawes Avenue School and $0 for New York Avenue Building. The projects include $75,765 for the New York Avenue 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 of New Jersey (the “State”) support pursuant to N.J.S.А. 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. The State debt service aid is contingent upon the passing of this Bond Proposal Question. The Board is authorized to transfer funds among the projects approved at this election.

Bonding amount proposed:  $5,575,000
State funding: $2,199,694

Essex County

Caldwell-West Caldwell (REJECTED)

Bond Proposal – Caldwell-West Caldwell School District in the County of Essex, New Jersey (the “Board”) is authorized to (a) undertake the construction of the Colonel John M. McHugh Athletic Center at James Caldwell High School including acquisition and installation of fixtures, furniture, equipment, and any site work; (b) appropriate $8,495,100 for such improvements; and (c) issue bonds in an amount not to exceed $8,495,100.

The final eligible costs for the projects approved by the New Jersey Commissioner of Education are $0. The projects include $1,406,282 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 Board of Education is authorized to transfer funds among the projects approved at this election.

Bonding amount proposed:  $8,495,100
State funding: $0

Gloucester County

Glassboro

Bond Proposal 1 (APPROVED) – The Board of Education of the Borough of Glassboro, in the County of Gloucester, New Jersey (“School District”), is authorized to: (a)undertake for lawful school purposes a capital improvement program consisting of: (i) various rehabilitation projects, additions and alterations at the Dorothy Bullock Elementary School, together with the completion of various other improvements, including improvements to security and communication systems, the addition of two (2) new rooms, roof maintenance, replacement of classroom ventilators, and related site work at the Dorothy Bullock Elementary School; (II) various rehabilitation and renovation projects at the Thomas E. Bowe Middle School, together with the completion of various other improvements, including improvements to security and communication systems, replacement of the gym floor, bleachers, basketball backstops and scoreboard, installation of wall pads, roof and wall maintenance and repairs, and other related site work; (iii) various rehabilitation projects at the J. Harvey Rodgers School, together with the completion of various other improvements, including improvements to security and communication systems, roof replacement, underground pipe replacement, and other related site work at the J. Harvey Rodgers School; (iv) various rehabilitation projects and site improvements at the Glassboro High School, together with the completion of various other improvements, including refurbishing of the roof and bus canopy, upgrades to HVAC systems and the replacement of HVAC rooftop equipment, and other related site work at the Glassboro High School; (v) the replacements of the roof and related site work at $13,012,000 at the Beach Administration Building; and (vi) the completion of such other work and improvements, and acquisition of furniture, fixtures and equipment as may be necessary therefor or related to the completion of the projects set forth above; (b) expend for all the foregoing an amount not to exceed $13,012,000 ($10,882,000 of which represents eligible costs (“Final Eligible Costs”) as determined by the Commissioner of Education); and (c) issue bonds of the School District for said project in an amount not to exceed $13,012,000 in which event the State will pay approximately 40% of the debt service (principal and interest) of the school bonds issued to finance the Final Eligible Costs; and (d) transfer unexpended bod proceeds between said school facility projects. This school facilities project includes $2,130,000 for school facility construction elements in addition to the facility efficiency standards developed by the Commissioner of Education or that are not otherwise eligible for State support pursuant to N.J.S.A. 18A:7G-5(g).

Bonding amount proposed: $13,012,000
State funding: $4,352,800

Bond Proposal 2 (APPROVED) – If Proposal I is approved by the voters, the School District is also authorized to: (a)undertake for lawful school purposes, a capital improvement program consisting of : (i) security upgrades at the Dorothey Bullock Elementary School, including, building-wide systems upgrades to the public address, clock and communication system, and other related site work (ii) various security and site upgrades, and additions a the J. Harvey Rodgers School, together with the completion of various other improvements, including, construction of an addition to the school consisting of nine (9) classrooms and one (1) restroom, installation of a new public address system in the gym and cafeteria, construction of a new driveway and additional parking spaces, new flagpole, lighting and signage, and other related site work; (iii) various rehabilitation projects at the Glassboro High School, together with the completion of various other improvements, including security upgrades, stage acoustical improvements, HVAC noise reduction in auditorium, improvements to the auditorium stage, and other related site work at the Glassboro High School; (iv) improvements to the Transportation/Operations Building, including replacement of doors and related security improvements, and associated improvements necessary heretofore or related thereto; and (v0 the completion of such other work and improvements, including the acquisition of fixtures and equipment as may be necessary therefor or related to the projects set forth above; (b) expend for all the foregoing an amount not to exceed $9,834,000 ($2,155,623 of which represents eligible costs (“Final Eligible Costs”), as determined by the Commissioner of Education); (c) issue bonds of the School District for said project in an amount not to exceed $9,834,000, in which event the State will pay approximately 40% of the debt service (principal and interest) of the school bonds issued to finance the Final Eligible Costs; and (d) transfer unexpended bond proceeds between said school facility projects. This school facilities project includes $7,678,377 for school facility construction elements in addition to the facility efficiency standards developed by the Commissioner of Education or that are not otherwise eligible for State support pursuant to NJ.S.A. 18A;7G-5(g).

Bonding amount proposed: $9,834,000
State funding: $862,249.20

Bond Proposal 3 (APPROVED) – If Proposal 1 is approved by the votes, irrespective of whether Proposal 2 if approved by the voter: the School District is also authorized to: (a) undertake for lawful school purposes, a capital improvement program consisting of: (i) various renovations and site upgrades to Glassboro High School, together with the completion of various other improvements, including, the construction of new bathroom facilities and the completion of fielding and drainage improvements at the football stadium, the removal and replacement of certain exterior doors at Glassboro High School, and other related site work; and (ii) the completion of such other work and improvements, including the acquisition of fixtures and equipment as may be necessary therefor or related to the projects set for above, (b) expend for all the foregoing an amount not to exceed $1,650,000 ($967,500 of which represents eligible cots (“Final Eligible Costs”) as determined by the Commissioner of Education (c) issue bonds of the School District for said project in an amount not to exceed $1,650,000 in which event the State will pay approximately 40% of the debt service (principal and interest) of the school bonds issued to finance the Final Eligible Costs; and (d) transfer unexpended bond proceeds between said school facility projects.  This school facilities project includes $682,500 for school facility construction elements in addition to the facility efficiency standards developed by the Commissioner of Education or that are not otherwise eligible for State support pursuant to N.J.S.A. 18A:7G-5(g).

Bonding amount proposed: $1,650,000
State funding: $387,000

Hunterdon County

Holland Township (REJECTED)

Bond Proposal – The Board of Education of The Township of Holland in the County of Hunterdon, New Jersey (the “Board”) is authorized to: (a) undertake various improvements and renovations to the Holland Township School, including but not limited to roof and window replacements, HVAC upgrades, renovations to bathrooms, lockers, flooring classrooms and the multi-purpose room, including acquisition and installation of fixtures, furniture, equipment, and any site work; (b) appropriate $15,972,660 for such improvements; and (c) issue bonds in an amount not to exceed $15,972,660.

The Final eligible costs for the projects approved by the New Jersey Commissioner of Education are $15,972,660. 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. The State debt service aid is contingent upon the passing of this Bond Proposal Question. The Board of Education is authorized to transfer funds among the projects approved at this election.

Bonding amount proposed: $15,972,660
State funding: $6,389,064

Tewksbury

Bond Proposal 1 (APPROVED) – The Board of Education of the Township of Tewksbury in the County of Hunterdon, New Jersey (the ”Board”) is authorized to (a) undertake various improvements, alterations, renovations, and upgrades at Tewksbury Elementary School, including, but not limited to improvements and upgrades to the HVAC system, boiler replacement, and the replacement of exterior doors, including acquisition and installation of fixtures, equipment, and any site work; (b) undertake various improvements, alterations, and upgrades at Old Turnpike School, including but not limited to improvements and upgrades to the HVAC system, the replacement of various portions of flooring, and the replacement of exterior doors, including acquisition and installation of fixtures, equipment, and any site work; (b) appropriate $14,688,916 for such improvements; and (c) issue bonds in an amount not to exceed $14,688,916.

The final eligible costs for the projects approved by the New Jersey Commissioner of Education are $14,688,916 (consisting of $10,979,030 for Tewksbury Elementary School and $3,709,886 for Old Turnpike 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. The Board of Education is authorized to transfer funds among the projects approved at this election.

Bonding amount proposed: $14,688,916
State funding: $5,875,566.40

Bond Proposal 2 (APPROVED) – Bond Proposal Questions No. 2 will only go into effect if Bond Proposal Question No. 1 is also approved by the voters at this election.

The Board of Education of the Township of Tewksbury in the County of Hunterdon, New Jersey (the “Board”) is authorized to (a) undertake various improvements, alterations, renovations, and upgrades at Old Turnpike School, including but not limited to the replacement of interior doors, and renovations to various instructional spaces, including the art classroom, science lab, technology room, and all-purpose room (APR); including acquisition and installation of fixtures, furniture, equipment, and any site work; (b) appropriate $10,322,515 for such improvements; and (c) issue bonds in an amount not to exceed $10,322,515.

The final eligible costs for the projects approved by the New Jersey Commissioner of Education are $10,322,515. 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. The Board of Education is authorized to transfer funds among the projects approved at this election.

Bonding amount proposed: $10,322,515
State funding: $4,129,006

Readington Township

Bond Proposal (APPROVED) – The Board of Education of the Township of Readington in the County of Hunterdon, New Jersey (the “Board”) is authorized to (a) undertake various improvements, alterations, renovations, and upgrades at Reading Middle School, Holland Brook School, Three Bridges School and Whitehouse School, including acquisition and installation of fixtures, equipment, and any site work; (b) appropriate $38,047,117 for such improvements, and (c) issue bonds in an amount not to exceed $38,047,117.

The final eligible costs for the projects approved by the New Jersey Commissioner of Education are $36,632,267 (consisting of $12,173,247 for Readington Middle School, $7,214,551 for Holland Brook school, $8,661,545 for Three Bridges School and $8,582,924 for Whitehouse School). The projects include $1,414,850 (consisting of $540,000 for Readington Middle School, $150,650 for Holland Brook School, $320,000 for Three Bridges School and $404,200 for Whitehouse 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. The Board of Education is authorized to transfer funds among the projects approved at this election.

Bonding amount proposed: $38,047,117

State funding: $14,652,906.80

Mercer County

Hopewell Valley Regional

Bond Proposal 1 (APPROVED) – The Board of Education of the Hopewell Valley Regional School District in the County of Mercer, New Jersey (the “Board”) is authorized to (a) undertake various renovations and alterations to Hopewell Valley Central High School, Timberlane Middle School, Bear Tavern Elementary School, Hopewell Elementary School, Stony Brook Elementary School, and Toll Gate Grammar School, including acquisition and installation of fixtures, equipment and any site work; (b) appropriate $58,409,000 for such improvements; and (c) issue bonds in an amount not to exceed $58,409,000. 

The final eligible costs for the projects approved by the New Jersey Commissioner of Education are $58,409,000 (consisting of $9,589,000 for Hopewell Valley Central High School, $20,514,000 for Timberlane Middle School, $9,990,000 for Bear Tavern Elementary School, $9,666,000 for Hopewell Elementary School, $3,265,000 for Stony Brook Elementary School, and $5,385,000 for Toll Gate Grammar 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.  The Board of Education is authorized to transfer funds among the projects approved at this election.

Bonding amount proposed: $58,409,000
State funding: $23,363,600

Bond Proposal Question No. 2 (APPROVED) – Bond proposal 2 will only go into effect if Bond Proposal Question No. 1 is also approved by the voters at this election.

The Board of Education of the Hopewell Valley Regional School District in the County of Mercer, New Jersey (the “Board”) is authorized to (a) undertake various renovations and alterations, and to construct an addition at Toll Gate Grammar School, including acquisition and installation of fixtures, furniture, equipment, and any site work; (b) to construct an addition at Bear Tavern Elementary School, including acquisition and installation of fixtures, furniture, equipment, and any site work; (c) appropriate $25,826,000 for such improvements; and (d) issue bonds in an amount not to exceed $25,826,000.  

The final eligible costs for the projects approved by the New Jersey Commissioner of Education are $998,000 (consisting of $998,000 for Toll Gate Grammar School and $0 for Bear Tavern Elementary School). The projects include $4,124,406 (consisting of $1,407,406 for Toll Gate Grammar school and $2,717,000 for Bear Tavern 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. The Board of Education is authorized to transfer funds among the projects approved at this election.

Bonding amount proposed:  $25,826,000
State funding: $399,200

Monmouth County

Marlboro Township (APPROVED)

Bond Proposal – The Board of Education of the Township of Marlboro in the County of Monmouth, New Jersey (the “Board”) is authorized to (a) undertake various HVAC improvements, upgrades, and renovations at Asher Holm$5,345,031 for such improvements; and (c) es Elementary School and Robertsville Elementary School, including acquisition and installation of fixtures, equipment, and any site work; (b) appropriate $5,345,031 for such improvements; and (c) issue bonds in an amount not to exceed $5,345,031.

The final eligible costs for the projects approved by the New Jersey Commissioner of Education are $5,345,031 (consisting of $2,550,717 for Asher Holmes Elementary School and $2,794,314 for Robertsville 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.  The State debt service aid is contingent upon the passing of this Board Proposal Question. The Board of Education is authorized to transfer funds among the projects approved at this election.

Bonding amount proposed: $5,345,031
State funding: $2,138,012.40

Other Ballot Questions

Essex County

Fairfield Township School District (APPROVED)

Ballot Question – Be it resolved that there shall be raised an additional $359,201 for General Funds in the same year (2025-2026). These taxes will be used exclusively for the addition of three (3) classroom aids, one (1) special education teacher, and one (1) school counselor to provide support to students with academic, social, and emotional needs. Approval of these funds will result in a permanent increase in the district’s tax levy. These proposed additional expenditures are in addition to those required to achieve the New Jersey Student Learning Standards.

Morris County

Denville (APPROVED)

Ballot Question – The Separate Proposal is for construction costs necessary to renovate the second floor of the Riverview Annex to improve the four (4) existing classrooms, common areas, bathrooms, and storage areas; for the employment of additional certificated and/or non-certificated personnel; and for the continued maintenance of the Riverview Annex, at a cost of $700,250. Voter approval of this proposal will represent a permanent increase in the tax levy of 1.83%.

Warren County

Harmony Township (APPROVED)

Ballot Question – Do you approve the reduction of the membership of the Board from nine (9) elected board members to seven (7) elected board members over the next three years?

Washington Borough (APPROVED)

Ballot Question – Do you approve the reduction of the membership of the Board of Education from nine (9) elected board members to seven (7) elected board members over the next three years?

Historical information on annual school elections and school construction proposals in New Jersey is available on the NJSBA website.