TRENTON, October 3, 2018–Voters in nine New Jersey school districts approved $174.9 million in school construction projects, with results in Emerson in Bergen County still pending. Proposals were defeated in five districts. Election results are preliminary and will be updated as more information becomes available. Districts asked for approval for school additions and renovations, HVAC replacements, new roofs, and safety improvements.
Construction proposals were on the ballot in 15 districts in 10 counties, with unofficial results listed below.
- Atlantic County: Hamilton APPROVED
- Bergen County: Emerson PENDING, and Rutherford REJECTED
- Burlington County: Mount Laurel APPROVED
- Camden County: Somerdale APPROVED
- Cape May County: North Wildwood PRELIMINARY APPROVAL
- Essex County: Cedar Grove APPROVED
- Mercer County: Ewing APPROVED
- Monmouth County: Colts Neck REJECTED, Freehold Regional REJECTED and Rumson-Fair Haven Regional APPROVED
- Morris County: Jefferson APPROVED, Randolph APPROVED and Rockaway ALL THREE REJECTED
- Ocean County: Plumsted REJECTED
Most of the proposed construction projects, if approved, would be partially supported by state funds. Under the Educational Facilities and Construction and Financing Act of 2000, the state will fund at least 40 percent of eligible school construction costs.
The next date available for special elections will be on Dec. 11, although districts that will conduct school board elections on Nov. 6 may also hold bond referendums on that day.
Following is a summary of proposals on the Oct. 2 ballot:
CONSTRUCTION PROPOSALS
STATEWIDE
Total amount proposed – $345,151,604
Total amount approved — $174,911,424
Total amount eligible for state reimbursement – $268,040,953 (State reimbursement is made through payment of annual debt service aid.)
Total amount eligible for state reimbursement approved — $147,988,045
ATLANTIC COUNTY
Hamilton APPROVED
Total project cost: $21,973,356
Amount eligible for state reimbursement: $18,835,029
State funds: $9,603,811.77
An addition at Hess Educational Complex Elementary School and renovations, alterations and improvements at Shaner Memorial Elementary School and Davies Middle School, including all fixtures, furnishings, and equipment.
BERGEN COUNTY
Emerson PENDING
Total project cost: $13,368,446
Amount eligible for state reimbursement: $5,972,656
State funds: $2,389,062.40
Building renovations and alterations, conversion of existing spaces to new uses, construction of additions (including security vestibules) and site improvements, building and life safety system improvements and related improvements at Emerson Junior/Senior High School, Patrick M. Villano Elementary School and Memorial Elementary School in the School District and, if bond or note proceeds are available, the acquisition of new furniture and equipment.
Rutherford REJECTED
Total project cost: $53,015,738
Amount eligible for state reimbursement: $36,129,419
State funds: 14,451,767.60
- Upgrade, renovation and expansion of the Kindergarten Center to provide for roof, HVAC, multi-purpose room, playground, toilet and other facilities improvements;
- Installation of a new Pre-Kindergarten playground and facility improvements at Washington Elementary School;
- Upgrade, renovation and expansion of Lincoln Elementary School to provide classroom addition and Pre-Kindergarten playground and facilities improvements;
- Upgrade, renovation, demolition of existing gymnasium and expansion of Pierrepont Elementary School to provide for new gymnasium, two-story addition for classrooms and multipurpose room and facility improvements;
- Upgrade, renovation, conversion of existing gymnasium and expansion of Union Middle School to provide for a new gymnasium, new science labs and flooring, HVAC, exterior and other improvements;
- Decommissioning and conversion of the pool facility for upgrade, renovation, and expansion of Rutherford High School to provide for new science labs, classrooms, cafeteria, district central kitchen, faculty lounge and, interior alterations, comprehensive renovation and upgrade to 1957 wing, and multipurpose physical education field with turf and bleachers.
BURLINGTON COUNTY
Mount Laurel APPROVED
Total project cost: $35,540,801
Amount eligible for state reimbursement: $31,246,802
State funds: $12,498,720.80
Replacement of the roof, improvements to playground, renovations to building systems including safety, lighting, electrical, boilers, fans, pumps and controls, replacement of acoustical ceilings and repairs to existing exterior facilities at the Countryside Elementary School.
- Addition of three new kindergarten rooms and one preschool room, replacement of the roof, improvements to playground, renovations to building systems including safety, lighting, HVAC controls, clocks, electrical, boilers, fans, pumps and controls, removal of incinerator and asbestos, replacement of acoustical ceilings, replacement of exhaust fans and sinks and repairs to existing exterior facilities at the Fleetwood Elementary School.
- Replacement of the roof, renovations to building systems including safety, lighting, electrical, boilers, fans, pumps and controls, replacement of acoustical ceilings and repairs to existing exterior facilities at the Hartford Upper Elementary School.
- Renovate existing space to create one new kindergarten room and one preschool room, improvements to playground, renovations to building systems including safety, lighting, electrical, boilers, fans, pumps and controls, removal of incinerator and asbestos, replacement of acoustical ceilings and repairs to existing exterior facilities at the Hillside Elementary School.
- Addition of two new kindergarten rooms and one preschool room, improvements to playground, renovations to building systems including safety, lighting, clocks, electrical, boilers, fans, unit ventilators, pumps and controls, replace generator, replacement of acoustical ceilings and repairs to existing exterior facilities at the Larchmont Elementary School.
- Renovate existing space to create two new kindergarten rooms, replacement of the roof, renovations to building facilities for Americans with Disabilities Act compliance, improvements to playground, renovations to building systems including safety, lighting, clocks, electrical, boilers, fans, unit ventilators, pumps and controls, replacement of acoustical ceilings and repairs to existing exterior facilities at the Parkway Elementary School.
- Replacement of the roof, improvements to playground, renovations to building systems including safety, lighting, electrical, boilers, fans, chiller and cooling tower, coil units, pumps and controls, replacement of acoustical ceilings and repairs to existing exterior facilities at the Springville Elementary School.
- Renovations to building facilities for Americans with Disabilities Act compliance, renovations to science labs, renovations to building systems including safety, lighting, clocks, boilers, fans, pumps and controls, replacement of acoustical ceilings and repairs to existing exterior facilities at the Harrington Middle School, together with the acquisition of all equipment and the completion of all work necessary or desirable to make said improvements compatible with the existing facilities.
CAMDEN COUNTY
Somerdale APPROVED
Total project cost: $3,157,600
Amount eligible for state reimbursement: $2,150,184
State funds: $860,073.60
- A new roof for the Somerdale Park School;
- An additional parking lot for the Somerdale Park School;
- Installation of recreational and playground improvements, and site/building utility work related to drainage for same, at the Somerdale Park School.
CAPE MAY COUNTY
North Wildwood PRELIMINARY APPROVAL
Proposal 1
Total project cost: $4,018,653
Amount eligible for state reimbursement: $4,018,653
State funds: $1,607,461.20
Replacement of the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems and roof restoration at Margaret Mace Elementary School including related work, fixtures, and equipment.
Proposal 2 (Contingent upon approval of Proposal 1)
Total project cost: $931,250
Amount eligible for state reimbursement: $931,250
State funds: $372,500
Renovations, alterations and improvements at Margaret Mace Elementary School including fixtures, furnishings, and equipment.
ESSEX COUNTY
Cedar Grove APPROVED
Total project cost: $2,964,816
Amount eligible for state reimbursement: $2,964,816
State funds: $1,185,926.40
- Cedar Grove High School – construction of a security vestibule and other security and safety upgrades and improvements and installation of an emergency generator;
- North End Elementary School – construction of a security vestibule and other security and safety upgrades and improvements, construction of a handicapped access ramp and relocation of handicapped parking spaces;
- Memorial Middle School – construction of a security vestibule and other security and safety upgrades and improvements;
- South End Elementary School – construction of a security vestibule and other security and safety upgrades and improvements, undertaking of drainage and site improvements and relocation of handicapped parking spaces.
MERCER COUNTY
Ewing APPROVED
Total project cost: $59,298,000
Amount eligible for state reimbursement: $54,146,804
State funds: $21,658,721.60
- Renovation of the library, replacement and restoration of roof, interior and exterior structural improvements, security upgrades, renovations to school systems. HVAC equipment, electrical renovations, replace hot water heater, replacement of corridor lockers, restroom renovations, select classroom renovations, replacement of boiler/pumps/controls/chillers, asbestos abatement and construction of tennis courts at the Antheil Elementary School;
- Renovation of the library, replacement and restoration of roof, interior and exterior structural improvements, security upgrades, renovation to school systems, select classroom renovations, lighting, HVAC equipment, electrical renovations, replacement of boiler/pump/controls/chillers, replace hot water heater, restroom renovations, and asbestos abatement at the Lore Elementary School;
- Renovation of the library, restoration of roof, security upgrades, renovations to school systems, HVAC equipment, electrical renovations, replace hot water heater and replacement of boiler/pump/controls/chillers at the Parkway Elementary School;
- Renovation of auxiliary gymnasium, lobby areas and locker rooms, replacement of roof, interior and exterior structural improvements, security upgrades, renovations to school systems, HVAC equipment, electrical renovations, replace hot water heater, replacement of corridor lockers, restroom renovations, select classroom renovations, replacement of boiler/pump/controls/chillers, asbestos abatement, electric to gas conversions and replacement of scoreboard and resurfacing of asphalt track at the Fisher Middle School;
- Renovation of gymnasiums, auditorium, locker rooms and restrooms, replacement and restoration of roof, interior and exterior structural improvements, security upgrades, renovations to school systems, electrical renovations, restroom renovations, replacement of boiler/pump/control/chillers, asbestos abatement, replacement of fans and improvements to athletic fields, improvements to parking facilities and drainage controls at the Ewing High School;
- Replacement and restoration of roof, interior and exterior structural improvements, security upgrades and renovations to systems at the Gusz Maintenance Building, and acquisition of all equipment and the completion of all work necessary or desirable to make improvements and site work compatible with the existing facilities.
MONMOUTH COUNTY
Colts Neck REJECTED
Proposal 1
Total project cost: $24,816,000
Amount eligible for state reimbursement: $24,816,000
State funds: $9,926,400
Upgrade and renovation of the Cedar Drive Middle School and the Conover Road Elementary School to provide for new/upgraded flooring, casework, windows, roofing, toilet facilities, ADA improvements, HVAC system, classroom/emergency lighting, doors/hardware and electrical system, interior upgrades and site improvements including pavement;
Upgrade and renovation of the Conover Road Primary School to provide for new/upgraded doors and hardware and reconstruction of parking lot and driveways;
Reconfiguration of Conover Campus roads to provide safety/security improvements.
Proposal 2 (Contingent upon approval of Proposal 1)
Total project cost: $9,790,000
Amount eligible for state reimbursement: $787,000
State funds: $314,800
Upgrade, renovation and expansion of the Cedar Drive Middle School to provide for addition of an auditorium, stage and ancillary areas, a new fitness room, new toilet facilities, gymnasium storage and replacement of canopy.
Freehold Regional High School District REJECTED
Total project cost: $39,790,034
Amount eligible for state reimbursement: $28,685,857
State funds: $11,474,342.80
Renovations, alterations, improvements and an addition at Colts Neck High School, Freehold Township High School, Freehold Borough High School, Howell High School, Manalapan High School and Marlboro High School, including related fixtures, furnishings, equipment and site work.
Rumson–Fair Haven Regional High School District APPROVED
Total project cost: $12,596,948
Amount eligible for state reimbursement: $7,624,507
State funds: $3,049,802.80
Renovations, alterations, and improvements, including Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math (STEAM) and other educational improvements, to construct an addition, to undertake construction and installation of a turf field and other related improvements at Rumson-Fair Haven High School, and including related technology, fixtures, furnishings, equipment, site work and related work.
MORRIS COUNTY
Jefferson APPROVED
Total project cost: $9,935,000
Amount eligible for state reimbursement: $9,935,000
State funds: $3,974,000
Renovations, alterations and improvements at Jefferson Township High School, Jefferson
Township Middle School, Ellen T. Briggs School, Cozy Lake School, Milton School, Arthur Stanlick School and White Rock School, including fixtures, furnishings, equipment, site work and related work.
Randolph APPROVED
Total project cost: $24,495,000
Amount eligible for state reimbursement: $16,135,000
State funds: $6,454,000
Renovations, alterations and improvements at Randolph Township High School, Randolph
Township Middle School, Center Grove Elementary School, Fernbrook Elementary School, lronia Elementary School and Shongum Elementary School, including fixtures, furnishings, equipment, site work and related work.
Rockaway REJECTED
Proposal 1
Total project cost: $13,790,700
Amount eligible for state reimbursement: $13,783,200
State funds: $5,510,763
- Renovations and upgrades to Lincoln Elementary School to provide HVAC upgrades; security vestibule; roof replacement; fire safety improvements; floor, wall and ceiling replacement; lighting upgrades, electric system upgrades; restroom renovations and various facility upgrades;
- Renovations and upgrades to Thomas Jefferson Middle School to provide HVAC upgrades; security vestibule; roof replacement; floor improvements; lighting upgrades; window upgrades; site improvement; restroom renovations; electric system upgrades; library renovations; library upgrades and various facility upgrades.
Proposal 2 (Contingent upon approval of Proposal 1)
Total project cost: $2,394,400
Amount eligible for state reimbursement: $342,914
State funds: $137,199
Construct an addition to Lincoln Elementary School to provide classrooms, new main entrance and to provide new mechanical, electrical, plumbing, safety and other systems.
Proposal 3 (Contingent upon approval of Proposal 1)
Total project cost: $3,739,000
Amount eligible for state reimbursement: Not eligible
State funds: Not eligible
Construct an addition to Thomas Jefferson Middle School to provide gymnasium and new mechanical, electrical, plumbing, safety and other systems.
OCEAN COUNTY
Plumsted REJECTED
Total project cost: $9,535,862
Amount eligible for state reimbursement: $9,535,862
State funds: $3,814,344.80
Renovations, alterations, and improvements at New Egypt High School, New Egypt Middle School, New Egypt Primary School and Woehr Elementary School, including fixtures, furnishings, equipment, site work and related work.