Voters in three New Jersey school districts went to the polls on Jan. 23. In two districts, proposed school construction projects were approved, while the third conducted a run-off election for a school board seat.
The two construction projects, in Spring Lake Heights and Lawrence Township, total approximately $35.5 million. Both were approved. Each of the proposals are slated to receive state funding to cover part of the cost. Under the Educational Facilities and Construction and Financing Act of 2000, the state provides funds to cover at least 40 percent of state-determined eligible school construction costs.
In addition to the construction referenda, the Long Beach Island Consolidated School district held a runoff election for one board seat.
The fourth Tuesday in January 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 in March.
Following is a summary of questions on the ballots:
Construction Proposals
Statewide
Total amount approved – $35,490,275
Total amount eligible for state reimbursement approved – (through the payment of annual debt service aid) – $13,260,110
Mercer County
Lawrence Township — APPROVED — Improvements to township schools, including security upgrades, boiler and HVAC system replacement, window and siding replacements at various schools; construction of a new elevator and restroom renovations at middle school; and other improvements.
Total amount of bonds: $25,105,540
State funds: $10,042,216
Monmouth County
Spring Lake Heights — APPROVED — Security upgrades, HVAC upgrades, construction of an addition, installation of solar panels and other improvements at elementary school.
Total amount: $10,384,735
State funds: $3,217,894
School Board Runoff Election
Ocean County Voters in Surf City elected a candidate for a three-year term on the Long Beach Island Consolidated District Board of Education, in a run-off election. The November 2017 General Election resulted in a tie vote for the two candidates, necessitating the runoff election.