New Jersey School Boards Association | New Jersey School Boards Association

Voters go to the polls for a special school election on March 10 to vote on numerous school construction questions and other proposals.

Statewide, the New Jersey School Boards Association learned of 10 boards of education with proposals on the ballot. There are nine bond proposals and four tax levy questions.

Statewide bonding amount proposed: $179,977,271.24
State funding of proposed questions: $32,695,073.60

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 the unofficial results compiled from the county clerks’ offices and published reports.

BOND PROPOSAL QUESTIONS

Bergen County

Mahwah

BOND PROPOSAL QUESTION NO. 1 The Board of Education of the Township of Mahwah in the County of Bergen, New Jersey (the “Board”) is authorized to (a) undertake various improvements, alterations, renovations, and upgrades at Betsy Ross Elementary School, including but not limited to the replacement or repair of various portions of roofing, upgrades to the HVAC system and related equipment, the replacement of various boiler units, and repairs to the chimney and exterior of the building, including acquisition and installation of fixtures, furniture, equipment, and any site work; (b) undertake various improvements, alterations, renovations, and upgrades at George Washington Elementary School, including but not limited to the replacement or repair of various portions of roofing, the replacement of various boiler units, the replacement of windows in various classrooms, the replacement of the kitchen hood, and repairs to the chimney and exterior of the building, including acquisition and installation of fixtures, furniture, equipment, and any site work; (c) undertake various improvements, alterations, renovations, and upgrades at Lenape Meadows Elementary School, including but not limited to the replacement or repair of various portions of roofing, upgrades to the HVAC system and related equipment, and the replacement or repair of windows and related equipment, the replacement of various boiler units, upgrades to bleachers and doors throughout the building, including acquisition and installation of fixtures, furniture, equipment, and any site work; (d) undertake various improvements, alterations, renovations, and upgrades at Joyce Kilmer Elementary School, including but not limited to the replacement or repair of various portions of roofing, upgrades to the HVAC system and related equipment, and the replacement or repair of windows and doors throughout the building, including acquisition and installation of fixtures, furniture, equipment, and any site work; (e) undertake various improvements, alterations, renovations, and upgrades at Ramapo Ridge Middle School, including but not limited to the replacement or repair of various portions of roofing, the replacement or repair of windows throughout the building, upgrades to the HVAC system, and repairs to the exterior of the building, including acquisition and installation of fixtures, furniture, equipment, and any site work; (f) undertake various improvements, alterations, renovations, and upgrades at Mahwah High School and the adjoining Board of Education office and maintenance garage, including but not limited to the installation of a life skills classroom and reconfiguration of classroom spaces, the installation of an addressable fire alarm system, the replacement or repair of various portions of roofing, upgrades to the HVAC system and related equipment, the replacement of various boiler units, replacement of windows, and repairs to the chimney and exterior of the building, including acquisition and installation of fixtures, furniture, equipment, and any site work; (g) appropriate $75,810,263 for such improvements; and (h) issue bonds in an amount not to exceed $75,810,263.

The final eligible costs for the projects approved by the New Jersey Commissioner of Education are $73,756,733 (consisting of $7,349,208 for Betsy Ross Elementary School, $3,696,809 for George Washington Elementary School, $4,711,778 for Lenape Meadows Elementary School, $13,940,264 for Joyce Kilmer Elementary School, $19,055,336 for Ramapo Ridge Middle School, and $25,003,338 for Mahwah High School). The projects include $2,053,530 (consisting of $0 for Betsy Ross Elementary School, $0 for George Washington Elementary School, $0 for Lenape Meadows Elementary School, $0 for Joyce Kilmer Elementary School, $0 for Ramapo Ridge Middle School, and $2,053,530 for Mahwah High 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 on 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: $73,756,733
State funding: $29, 502,693.20

BOND PROPOSAL QUESTION NO. 2 (Bond Proposal Question 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 Mahwah in the County of Bergen, New Jersey (the “Board”) is authorized to (a) undertake the construction of a gymnasium and stage, media center, and various small group instruction classrooms at Betsy Ross Elementary School, including acquisition and installation of fixtures, furniture, equipment, and any site work; (b) undertake the construction of a gymnasium and stage, bathrooms, and a small group instruction classroom at George Washington Elementary School, including acquisition and installation of fixtures, furniture, equipment, and any site work; (c) undertake the replacement of turf and field lighting at the football and soccer fields, and upgrades to the field drainage system at Ramapo Ridge Middle School, including acquisition and installation of fixtures, equipment, and any site work; (d) undertake the renovation of the auditorium, the replacement of turf and field lighting at the football and soccer field, upgrades to the field drainage system, and the construction of a gymnasium, bathrooms, and related athletic facilities at Mahwah High School, including acquisition and installation of fixtures, furniture, equipment, and any site work; (e) appropriate $62,602,205 for such improvements; and (f) issue bonds in an amount not to exceed $62,602,205.

The final eligible costs for the projects approved by the New Jersey Commissioner of Education are $8,893,242 (consisting of $230,529 for Betsy Ross Elementary School, $574,346 for George Washington Elementary School, $415,000 for Ramapo Ridge Middle School, and $7,673,367 for Mahwah High School). The projects include $14,859,639 (consisting of $2,634,203 for Betsy Ross Elementary School, $1,164,020 for George Washington Elementary School, $3,414,824 for Ramapo Ridge Middle School, and $7,646,592 for Mahwah High 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 on 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: $8,893.242
State funding: $3,557,296.80

Norwood

BOND PROPOSAL QUESTION The Board of Education of the Borough of Norwood in the County of Bergen, New Jersey (the “Board”) is authorized to (a) undertake various improvements, alterations, renovations, and upgrades, and to construct an addition at Norwood Public School, including acquisition and installation of fixtures, furniture, equipment, and any site work; (b) appropriate $6,107,478 for such improvements; and (c) issue bonds in an amount not to exceed $6,107,478.

The final eligible costs for the projects approved by the New Jersey Commissioner of Education are $4,615,027 for Norwood Public School. The projects include $352,969 for Norwood Public 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 on 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: $4,615,027
State funding: $1,846,010.80

Monmouth County

Neptune City

BOND PROPOSAL QUESTION – The Board of Education of the Borough of Neptune City in the County of Monmouth, New Jersey (the “Board”) is authorized to (a) undertake various improvements, alterations, renovations, and upgrades at Woodrow Wilson School including but not limited to replacing the roof, HVAC and electrical upgrades, boiler replacements, toilet room renovations and various renovations to the corridors, including acquisition and installation of the fixtures, equipment, and any site work; (b) appropriate $8,446,700 for such improvements; and (c) issue bonds in an amount not to exceed $8,446,700.

The final eligible costs for the projects approved by the New Jersey Commissioner of Education are $8,446,700. The projects include $0 for school facilities construction elements in addition to the facilities efficiency standards developed by the Commissioner of Education, or are not otherwise eligible for State support pursuant to N.J.S.A.18A:7G-5(g). The State Department service aid percentage will equal 40% of the annual debt service due on 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: $8, 446,700
State funding: $3,378,680

Morris County

Netcong

BOND PROPOSAL QUESTION – The Board of Education of the Borough of Netcong in the County of Morris, New Jersey (the “Board”) is authorized to (a) undertake various improvements, alterations, renovations, and upgrades and to construct an addition at Netcong Elementary School, including acquisition and installation of fixtures, equipment, and any site work; (b) appropriate $9,029,717 for such improvements; and (c) issue bonds in an amount not to exceed $9,029,717.

The final eligible costs for the projects approved by the New Jersey Commissioner of Education are $5,674,330. The projects include $1,514,241 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.A. 18A:7G-5(g). The State debt service aid percentage equals 40% of the annual debt service due on the final eligible costs of the projects. The Board authorizes the transfer of funds among the projects approved at this election.

Bonding amount proposed: $5,674,330
State funding: $2,269,732

Ocean County

Seaside Heights

BOND PROPOSAL QUESTION – the Board of Education of the borough of Seaside Heights in the County of Ocean, New Jersey (the “Board”) is authorized to (a) undertake various improvements, alterations, renovations, and system upgrades at Hugh J. Boyd, Jr. Elementary School, including the acquisition and installation of fixtures, equipment, and any site work; (b) appropriate $4,445,415 for such improvements; and (c) issue bonds in an amount not to exceed $4,445,415.

The final eligible costs for the projects approved by the New Jersey Commissioner of Education are $4,445,415. 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 of New Jersey (the “State”) support pursuant to NJ.S.A 18A:7G-5(g). The State debt service aid percentage equals 40% of the annual debt service due on 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: $4,445,415
State funding: $1,778,166

Somerset County

Somerset Hills Regional

BOND PROPOSAL QUESTION –The Board of Education of the Somerset Hills Regional School District in the County of Somerset, New Jersey (the “Board”) is authorized to (a) undertake various improvements, alterations, renovations, and upgrades at Bernards High School, including acquisition and installation of fixtures, equipment, and any site work; (b) undertake various improvements, alterations, renovations, and upgrades at Bernardsville Middle School, including acquisition and installation of fixtures, equipment, and any site work; (c) undertake various improvements, alterations, renovations, and upgrades, and to construct an addition at Bedwell Elementary School, including acquisition and installation of fixtures, equipment, and any site work; (d) appropriate $38,024,257 for such improvements; and (e) issue bonds in an amount not to exceed $38,024,257.

The final eligible costs for the projects approved by the New Jersey Commissioner of Education are $33,367,203 (consisting of $19,373,306 for Bernards High School, $6,277,941 for Bernardsville Middle School, and $7,715,956 for Bedwell Elementary School). The projects include $4,142,445 (consisting of $2,589,449 for Bernards High School, $557,000 for Bernardsville Middle School, and $995,996 for Bedwell 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 of New Jersey (the “State”) support pursuant to N.J.S.A. 18A:7G-5(g). The State debt service aid percentage equals 40% of the annual debt service due on the final eligible costs of the projects. The Board is authorized to transfer funds among the projects approved at this election.

Bonding amount proposed: $33,367,203
State funding: $13,346,881,20

Union County

Township of Berkeley Heights

BOND PROPOSAL QUESTION #1 The Board of Education of the Township of Berkeley Heights in the County of Union, New Jersey (the “Board”) is authorized to (a) undertake various security, technology, site and building interior improvements, alterations, renovations, and upgrades at Mary Kay McMillin Early Childhood Center, including acquisition and installation of fixtures, furniture, equipment, and any site work; (b) undertake various security, technology, site and building interior improvements, alterations, renovations, and upgrades at Mountain Park Elementary School, including acquisition and installation of fixtures, furniture, equipment, and any site work; (c) undertake various security, technology, site and building interior improvements, alterations, renovations, and upgrades at Thomas P. Hughes Elementary School, including acquisition and installation of fixtures, furniture, equipment, and any site work; (d) undertake various security, technology, site, roofing and building interior improvements, alterations, renovations, and upgrades at William Woodruff Elementary School, including acquisition and installation of fixtures, furniture, equipment, and any site work; (e) undertake various security, technology, site and building interior improvements, alterations, renovations, and upgrades at Columbia Middle School, including acquisition and installation of fixtures, furniture, equipment, and any site work; (f) undertake various security, technology, site and building interior improvements, alterations, renovations, and upgrades at Governor Livingston High School, including acquisition and installation of fixtures, furniture, equipment, and any site work; (g) appropriate $21,227,001 for such improvements; and (h) issue bonds in an amount not to exceed $21,227,001.

The final eligible costs for the projects approved by the New Jersey Commissioner of Education are $20,747,001 (consisting of $2,452,510 for Mary Kay McMillin Early Childhood Center, $1,636,642 for Mountain Park Elementary School, $2,162,234 for Thomas P. Hughes Elementary School, $3,182,794 for William Woodruff Elementary School, $4,063,679 for Columbia Middle School, and $7,249,142 for Governor Livingston High School). The projects include $480,000 (consisting of $25,000 for Mary Kay McMillin Early Childhood Center, $25,000 for Mountain Park Elementary School, $40,000 for Thomas P. Hughes Elementary School, $15,000 for William Woodruff Elementary School, $75,000 for Columbia Middle School, and $300,000 for Governor Livingston High 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 is 40% of the annual debt service due on 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: $20,747,001
State funding: $8,298,800.40

BOND PROPOSAL QUESTION #2 (Bond Proposal Question #2 will only go into effect if Bond Proposal Question #1 is also approved by the voters at this election.) The Board of Education of the Township of Berkeley Heights in the County of Union, New Jersey (the “Board”) is authorized to (a) undertake improvements, alterations, renovations, and upgrades at Mary Kay McMillin Early Childhood Center, including but not limited to replacement of select HVAC equipment and systems, including acquisition and installation of fixtures, equipment, and any site work; (b) undertake various improvements, alterations, renovations, and upgrades at Mountain Park Elementary School, including but not limited to replacement of select HVAC equipment and systems and replacement of a portion of roofing, including acquisition and installation of fixtures, equipment, and any site work; (c) undertake improvements, alterations, renovations, and upgrades at William Woodruff Elementary School, including but not limited to the replacement of the select HVAC equipment and systems, including acquisition and installation of fixtures, equipment, and any site work; (d) undertake various improvements, alterations, renovations, and upgrades at Columbia Middle School, including but not limited to the replacement of select HVAC equipment and systems and a portion of roofing, and upgrades and renovations to various classrooms, including acquisition and installation of fixtures, furniture, equipment, and any site work; (e) undertake various improvements, alterations, renovations, and upgrades at Governor Livingston High School, including but not limited to electrical upgrades, replacement of a portion of roofing, and upgrades and renovations to various classrooms, including acquisition and installation of fixtures, furniture, equipment, and any site work; (f) appropriate $29,125,969 for such improvements; and (g) issue bonds in an amount not to exceed $29,125,969.

The final eligible costs for the projects approved by the New Jersey Commissioner of Education are $28,915,969 (consisting of $3,128,933 for Mary Kay McMillin Early Childhood Center, $5,596,635 for Mountain Park Elementary School, $3,706,844 for William Woodruff Elementary School, $6,088,886 for Columbia Middle School, and $10,394,671 for Governor Livingston High School). The projects include $210,000 (consisting of $0 for Mary Kay McMillin Early Childhood Center, $0 for Mountain Park Elementary School, $0 for William Woodruff Elementary School, $145,000 for Columbia Middle School, and $65,000 for Governor Livingston High 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 is 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: $28,915,969
State funding: $11,566,387.60

TAX LEVY QUESTIONS

Bergen County

Borough of Ho-Ho-Kus

QUESTION NO. 1 – Shall the Board of Education of the Borough of Ho-Ho-Kus, in the County of Bergen, New Jersey, raise an additional three million one hundred thousand dollars ($3,100,000) over and above the amount fixed and determined in the last annual school budget, by special district tax, for general fund expenses to maintain the District’s current operating costs for the 2026-2027 budget year? These taxes will be used to maintain the District’s current programs, services, and staff in the 2026-2027 school year. Approval of these taxes will result in a permanent increase to the tax levy.

Essex County

Montclair (PENDING LITIGATION OUTCOME)

QUESTION NO. 1 – The Board of Education of the Township of Montclair in the County of Essex shall raise an additional $12,600,000 from taxes over the amount raised in the last annual school budget to cover a prior deficit from the 2024-2025 school year. Approval of these taxes will result in a one-time increase to the district’s tax levy. These expenditures are in addition to those required to achieve New Jersey Student Learning Standards.

QUESTION NO. 2 – The Board of Education of the Township of Montclair in the County of Essex shall raise an additional $5,000,000 from taxes over the amount raised for the current (2025-2026) annual school budget for general fund operating expenses for the 2025-2026 school year. Approval of these taxes will result in a permanent increase to the district’s tax levy. These expenditures are in addition to those required to achieve New Jersey Student Learning Standards.

Mercer County

Robbinsville

QUESTION NO. 1 – The Robbinsville Township Board of Education is asking voters to approve an additional $5,031,476 in local school funding to maintain class sizes, protect academic programs, and preserve student enrichment opportunities.

Approval of this question would allow the District to:

Prevent class size increases by maintaining up to 22 teachers and staff who would otherwise be eliminated
Maintain student activities, including athletic teams and student clubs, and preserve elective courses that support well-rounded learning

Due to reductions in state aid, rising fixed costs and inflation, the District can no longer maintain current educational programs, class sizes, and extracurricular offerings without additional local support.

Approval of these taxes would result in a permanent increase in the District’s tax levy. The proposed additional expenditures are in addition to those necessary to achieve the minimum requirements for the New Jersey Student Learning Standards. The Robbinsville Township Board of Education seeks community support to maintain current programming and opportunities and not to be measured against the minimum.