TRENTON, December 9, 2016—Voters in seven New Jersey school districts will go to the polls on Tuesday, December 13 to act on $171.5 million in school construction proposals, including a new school, several additions, roof repairs and other improvements Construction proposals will appear on ballots in school districts in Hunterdon, Middlesex, Monmouth and Ocean counties. Each of the projects, if approved, would receive state funding to cover part of the cost. The state gives priority to projects that address health and safety, such as roof and window replacement; compliance with construction code and the Americans with Disabilities Act; and some security enhancements. Under the Educational Facilities and Construction and Financing Act of 2000, the state provides funds to cover at least 40 percent of eligible school construction costs. The second Tuesday in December 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 January 24, 2017. Below is a summary of the December 13 school construction proposals.

STATEWIDE

 Total amount proposed – $171,533,283 Total amount eligible for state reimbursement –$40,733,789 (State reimbursement is made through the payment of annual debt service aid.)  

HUNTERDON COUNTY

Alexandria Township Addition and renovations at Alexandria Middle School to allow the consolidation of grades PreK-8 at the middle school and the closure of Lester D. Wilson School Total amount: $8,273,089 State funds: $1,663,537 Clinton-Glen Gardner School District Redesign media center to be a collaborative learning commons and “makerspace;” upgrade doors to improve security; other upgrades Total amount: $985,000 State funds: $394,000

MONMOUTH COUNTY

Hazlet Improvements to eight school buildings, including new HVAC, roof replacements, and safety improvements Total amount: $43,667,516 State funds: $17,467,006 Millstone Township Rehabilitate roofs at Millstone Primary and Millstone Elementary schools Total amount: $2,938,442 State funds: $1,040,000 Shrewsbury Four proposals, totaling $28,181,840, for an addition, renovations and improvements

Proposal 1: Renovations, alterations and improvements at Shrewsbury Elementary School

Total amount: $13,400,790

State funds: $5,360,316

Proposal 2 (contingent upon approval of Proposal 1):

An addition and other renovations and improvements to Shrewsbury Elementary School

Total amount: $11,188,500

State funds: $1,174,376

Proposal 3 (contingent upon approval of Proposal 1):

Acquisition and installation of solar panels at Shrewsbury Elementary School

Total amount: $1,642,550

State funds: $657,020

Proposal 4 (contingent upon approval of Proposals 1 and 2):

Acquisition of land at 720 Broad Street, Shrewsbury

Total amount: $1,950,000

MIDDLESEX COUNTY

North Brunswick Construction of a new school on land to be acquired by the district, and alterations, renovations and improvements at Linwood School Total amount: $77,348,000 State funds: $8,921,775

OCEAN COUNTY

Stafford Township Renovations, alterations and improvements to five schools Total amount: $10,139,396 State funds: $4,055,759

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The New Jersey School Boards Association is a federation of the state’s local boards of education and includes the majority of New Jersey’s charter schools as associate members. NJSBA provides training, advocacy and support to advance public education and promote the achievement of all students through effective governance.