Voters headed to the polls for the general election Nov. 7, deciding five construction questions and numerous other proposals from local boards of education.
Statewide bonding amount proposed: $57,150,312
Statewide bonding amount approved: $51,675,312
State funding of proposed questions: $20,626,181
State funding approved: $20,626,181
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.
Here are unofficial results compiled from online data and published reports.
Burlington County
Evesham: The board of education asked voters to approve two proposals.
Proposal No. 1 –APPROVED – The board of education sought authorization to raise an additional $1,900,000 in general funds in the 2023-2024 school year to provide tuition-free full-day kindergarten for all students.
These taxes will be used exclusively for free full day kindergarten. Approval of these taxes will result in a permanent increase in the district’s tax levy. These proposed additional expenditures are in addition to those necessary to achieve the New Jersey Student Learning Standards.
Proposal No. 2 – APPROVED – The board of education sought authorization to raise an additional $190,000 in general funds in the 2023-2024 school year to provide mental health services for elementary and middle school students.
These taxes will be used exclusively for elementary and middle school mental health services. Approval of these taxes would result in a permanent increase in the district’s tax levy.
Willingboro – APPROVED – The board of education asked voters whether the membership of the Willingboro Board of Education be reduced from nine members to seven members.
Bergen County
River Vale – REJECTED – The board of education sought authorization to raise $230,000 to hire three armed guards for each one of the schools as well as to cover training, coverage for intermittent absences and any other ancillary expenses associated with said initiative. Approval of these taxes would have resulted in a permanent increase in the district’s tax levy.
Cape May County
Dennis Township – REJECTED – The board of education sought authorization to raise an additional $1,276,758 for the general fund in the same school year of 2023-2024 for the purpose of maintaining teaching staff members, instructional aides and related benefits and salaries for these positions. This would allow maintenance of current (2022-2023 level) class size. The purchase of instructional materials including technology, student desks, and other related materials along with the purchase of a replacement bus are included. This funding also includes continuing the field hockey, softball, baseball, Future Educator Club, Stage Band, and chaperones for these programs that were reduced. Since the implementation of the revised state school funding formula, the Dennis Township School District realized a cumulative loss of state funding of $4,105,745 to date. Approval would have resulted in a permanent increase in the district’s tax levy of $1,276,758.
Cumberland County
Hopewell Township – APPROVED – Having determined by Resolution No. B-3-2023 that it is in the best interest of the schools of the Hopewell Township School District that the membership of the Hopewell Township Board of Education shall be decreased from nine members to seven members in accordance with N.J.S.A. 18A:12-12, the board of education is asking voters whether it should reduce its membership from nine members to seven members.
Essex County
Fairfield: The board of education asked voters to approve three proposals.
Proposal No. 1 – APPROVED – The board of education sought authorization to raise an additional $930,008 for general funds in the 2023-2024 school year. These taxes will be used exclusively to reduce general education class size in grade K through 6; reduce special education class size; reinstate the media program for grades K through 6; continue the instrumental band and orchestra program for grade 4 through 6; employ two part-time district registered nurses; employ a full-time technology/network administrator; reinstate before/after school clubs in Adlai E. Stevenson School and Winston S. Churchill School; expand districtwide security; add a full-time custodian; and add a full-time speech teacher. Approval results in a permanent increase in the district’s tax levy.
Proposal No. 2 – APPROVED – The board of education sought authorization to raise an additional $235,916 for general funds in the 2023-2024 school year. These taxes will be used exclusively to increase classroom supplies; purchase new computers and technology at Winston S. Churchill School; purchase of digital software; restore field trips for grade K through 6; restore seven lunch aide positions; restore the Occupational Therapist Assistant position. Approval of these taxes results in a permanent increase in the district’s tax levy.
Proposal No. 3 – REJECTED – The board of education sought authorization to raise an additional $540,000 for general funds in the 2023-2024 school year. These taxes will be used exclusively for employment and/or contracting of bus aides. Approval of these taxes would have resulted in a permanent increase in the district’s tax levy.
Millburn – APPROVED – The board of education sought authorization to (a) provide for renovations, alterations and improvements at Millburn High School, Millburn Middle School, Deerfield Elementary School, Glenwood Elementary School, Hartshorn Elementary School, South Mountain Elementary School, Wyoming Elementary School and Washington Elementary School, including acquisition and installation of equipment, fixtures and furnishings, site work and related work and costs; (b) to appropriate $12,975,262 for such purposes; and (c) to issue bonds of the school district for such purposes in the principal amount of $12,975,262.
The final eligible costs of the projects approved by the Commissioner of Education are $12,975,262 (with $8,018,534 allocated to Millburn High School, $512,078 allocated to Millburn Middle School, $638,106 allocated to Deerfield Elementary School, $363,000 allocated to Glenwood Elementary School, $41,050 allocated to Hartshorn Elementary School, $913,055 allocated to South Mountain Elementary School, $1,531,333 allocated to Wyoming Elementary School and $958,106 allocated to Washington Elementary School.) 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.
Total bonding amount: $12,975,262
State funding: $5,178,104.80
Gloucester County
Woodbury – APPROVED – The board of education sought authorization to a) undertake various improvements, alterations, renovations and upgrades to the Woodbury Junior/Senior High School, consisting of renovations to the Cap Paine Gym, including renovations to locker rooms offices, fitness and weight room, restroom facilities classrooms and other improvements to athletic spaces, and the creation of a career and technical education space, including acquisition and installation of fixtures, furniture, equipment and any site work b) to undertake various improvements, alternations, renovations and upgrades to the all-purpose room and the construction of an addition at West End Memorial Elementary School, consisting of a gym and preschool classrooms, including acquisition and installation of fixtures, furniture, equipment and any site work and c) to appropriate $22,702,000 and to issue bonds in an amount to exceed $22,702,000.
The final eligible costs for the projects approved by the New Jersey Commissioner of Education that are eligible for state aid are $12,410,953 (consisting of $10,052,000 for Woodbury Junior/Senior High School and $2,358,953 for West End Memorial Elementary School). The project includes $1,027,741 (consisting of $0 for Woodbury Junior/Senior High School and $1,027,741 for West End Memorial Elementary School) for school facility construction elements in addition to the facilities efficiency standards developed by the Commissioner of Education not otherwise eligible for state support pursuant to N.J.S.A. 18A:7G-5(g). The state debt service aid percentage will equal 68.2918% of the annual debt service due with respect to the final eligible costs of the projects.
Total bonding amount: $22,702,000
State funding: $8,475,663.20
Hudson County
East Newark – APPROVED – The board of education is asking voters whether it approves of changing from a seven-person board, Type I school district, whereby members of the board are appointed to the school board by the mayor, to a nine-person board, Type II school district, whereby members are elected by a direct vote of the public during annual school elections scheduled to be held in April or November.
Hunterdon County
Clinton Township: The board of education sought approval of two proposals.
Proposal No. 1 – APPROVED – sought to raise an additional $150,000.00 for general funds in the 2023-2024 school year. These taxes will be used to provide services from the Clinton Township Police Department for a school resources officer.
Proposal No. 2 – REJECTED – sought to raise an additional $150,000 for a second school resource officer.
Mercer County
Princeton – APPROVED – The board of education sought authorization to (a) provide for renovations, alterations and improvements at Princeton High School, Princeton Middle School, Community Park School, Johnson Park School, Littlebrook School and Riverside School, including acquisition and installation of equipment and furnishings, site work and related work and costs; (b) to appropriate $12,998,050 for such purposes and (c) to issue bonds of the school district for such purposes in the principal amount of $12,998,050.
The final eligible costs of the projects approved by the commissioner of education are $11,958,050 (with $6,444,684 allocated to Princeton High School, $2,001,762 allocated to Princeton Middle School, $851,556 allocated to Community Park School, $956,936 allocated to Johnson Park School, $851,556 allocated to Littlebrook School and $851,556 allocated to Riverside School). The proposed improvements include $1,000,000 allocated to Princeton High School and $40,000 allocated to Princeton Middle School for 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.
Total bonding amount: $12,998,050.
State funding: $4,783,220
Robbinsville – REJECTED – The board of education sought approval from the district’s legal voters to raise an additional $4,824,939 for the 2024/25 school year as permitted under 18A:22-40 for the following purposes:
- Maintain teachers and instructional assistants to maintain class sizes under 25 to avoid elimination of program(s).
- Allow for purchasing instructional technology devices consistent with the 1:1 initiative and replacing devices at end of life.
- Maintain facilities.
- Maintain curricular offerings including World Languages and restore middle school and freshman sports and high school clubs and activities.
Under the 2018 revised state school funding formula, the Robbinsville Township School District’s projected $1.8 million state aid increase for 2023-2024 was eliminated and the district is slated to lose an additional $2.7 million based upon revised projections. Approval of this question would have brought the district in line with its local fair share, restored recently cut staff and programs, prevented increases in class size, and avoided further loss of programs and activities. Approval would have resulted in a permanent increase in the district’s tax levy.
Middlesex County
South River – REJECTED – The board of education sought authorization to undertake various improvements, alterations, renovations and upgrades to the athletic facilities at Denny Stadium, including the removal and replacement of the spectator grandstand and restrooms, improvements to the concession stand, acquisition and installation of a multi-sport athletic turf field, and acquisition and installation of any fixtures, equipment and any site work; (b) to appropriate $5,475,000 for such improvements; and (c) to issue bonds in an amount not to exceed $5,475,000.
The final eligible costs for the projects approved by the New Jersey Commissioner of Education are $0. The project includes $5,475,000 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).
Total bonding proposed: $5,475,000
State funding: None
Monmouth County
Manalapan-Englishtown Regional School District – REJECTED – The board of education sought authorization to raise an additional $218,500 for general funds in the same school year (2023-2024). These taxes would have been used exclusively for the purchase of 1-1 devices, i.e., Chromebooks for students in grade three. Additionally, in order to ensure that all future Manalapan-Englishtown Regional School District students have the same equitable access to technology as the current students, the board sought a permanent increase of the district’s tax levy to continue the purchase of 1-1 devices, e.g., Chromebooks, for students in grade three for subsequent years after the 2023-2024 school year.
Matawan-Aberdeen Regional School District – REJECTED – The board of education sought authorization to raise an additional $2,438,371 for general funds in the 2023-2024 school year to provide for recurring additional security costs. These taxes would have been used exclusively for additional costs required for additional security personnel and resources, through shared services or otherwise, for the district schools and facilities. including additional costs for compensation, benefits, technology, equipment, uniforms, transportation, insurance and related costs. Approval of these taxes would have resulted in a permanent increase in the district’s tax levy.
The board also sought authorization to raise an additional $375,000 for general funds in the 2023-2024 school year to provide for the nonrecurring additional cost of an equipped vehicle needed in connection with the additional security costs. These taxes would have been used exclusively for the additional costs of the equipped vehicle. Approval of these taxes would have not resulted in a permanent increase in the district’s tax levy.
Morris County
The Chathams – The Chatham School District, which includes Chatham Borough and Chatham Township, asked voters to approve two proposals.
Proposal No. 1 – APPROVED – The board of education asked voters to approve construction costs to install security vestibules at the main entrance of each of the six district schools in the 2023/2024 school year and ongoing building and security costs and enhancements, including the maintenance of surveillance systems, the employment of security personnel, the maintenance of cyber security software, and the fortification of the building perimeters at all six schools, at a cost of $850,000. Voter approval of the proposal represents a permanent increase in the tax levy of 1.23%
Proposal No. 2 – APPROVED – The board of education also sought authorization for the cost of health benefits for a portion of the paraprofessional staff employed in each school year at a cost of $900,000. Voter approval of this proposal represents a permanent increase in the tax levy of 1.30%. This proposal will provide the funds to offer a portion of the paraprofessional staff health benefits as part of their employment contract. This will enhance the district’s ability to recruit and retain paraprofessional staff through a competitive compensation package.
Ocean County
Jackson Township – REJECTED – The board of education sought authorization to raise an additional $4,035,000.00 in the 2023-2024 school year to better serve the needs of students. The additional levy would have provided funds for the following positions: Six guidance counselors; two student assistance counselors; one nonpublic student coordinator, one nonpublic secretary; eight interventionist teachers, ten elementary teachers; 12 secondary teachers; four Child Study Team members; four ESL teachers, and the employee benefits related to the new positions. Approval would have resulted in a permanent increase in the district’s tax levy.
Lakehurst – APPROVED – The board of education of the borough of Lakehurst sought authorization to install a kitchen at Lakehurst Elementary School, including acquisition and installation of fixtures, furniture, equipment and any site work and b) to undertake the replacement of the roof at Lakehurst Elementary School, including associated drainage, flashing, metal work, related site work and associated interior work and c) to appropriate $3,000,000 for such improvements and d) to issue bonds in an amount not to exceed $3,000,0000.
The final eligible costs for the projects approved by the New Jersey Commissioner of Education are $3,000,000. 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 would equal 72.9731% of the annual debt service due with respect to the final eligible costs of the projects.
Total bonding amount: $3,000,000.
State funding: $2,189,193
Passaic County
Little Falls – APPROVED — The board of education asked voters whether it should reduce the membership of the board from nine to seven members. Earlier this year, the board passed a resolution determining that it is in the best interest of the schools to reduce its membership to seven members.
Somerset County
Millstone Borough: The board of education asked voters to approve two proposals.
Proposal No. 1 – APPROVED – The board sought to raise an additional $934,636 for general funds in the same school year (2023-2024). These taxes will be used exclusively to create a security department, including salaries and other compensation, benefits, uniforms, and supplies for a supervisor and nine security officers. Approval of these taxes results in a permanent increase in the district’s tax levy.
Proposal No. 2 – APPROVED – The board also sought to raise an additional $1,901,880 for general funds in the same school year (2023-2024). These taxes will be used exclusively to hire 20 additional staff for the purpose of reducing class sizes and adding program offerings, interventionists and mental health supports and would include salaries, benefits and classroom supplies. Approval of these taxes results in a permanent increase in the district’s tax levy.
Bridgewater-Raritan Regional – APPROVED — The board of education sought to raise an additional $2,460,000 for general funds in the 2023-2024 school year. These taxes will be used exclusively for additional costs required to provide a full-day kindergarten program, including compensation for teachers, aides, paraprofessionals and custodians, benefits, utilities and other facilities operating costs, transportation and related costs. Approval of these taxes results in a permanent increase in the district’s tax levy.
Hillsborough Township: The board of education asked voters to approve two proposals.
Proposal No. 1 – APPROVED – The board sought to raise an additional $934,636 for general funds in the same school year (2023-2024). These taxes will be used exclusively to create a security department, including salaries and other compensation, benefits, uniforms and supplies for a supervisor and nine security officers. Approval of these taxes results in a permanent increase in the district’s tax levy.
Proposal No. 2 – APPROVED – The board also sought to raise an additional $1,901,880 for general funds in the same school year (2023-24). These taxes will be used exclusively to hire 20 additional staff for the purpose of reducing class sizes and adding program offerings, interventionists and mental health supports and would include salaries, benefits and classroom supplies. Approval of these taxes results in a permanent increase in the districts tax levy.
Warren County
Greenwich Township: The board of education asked voters to approve two questions on the ballot.
Question No. 1 – APPROVED – The board of education sought to raise an additional $200,000 in tax levy funds in order to restore the music and arts programs at The Greenwich Elementary School and The Stewartsville Middle School. This $200,000 will cover the costs for one music teacher and one art teacher with benefits.
Question No. 2 – APPROVED – The board of education also sought to raise an additional $300,000 in tax levy funds to restore the Basic Skills Instruction Model, which is essential in helping students with academic gaps receive much needed enrichment.