More space for more learning: Middle Township Public Schools is holding a bond referendum to fund building additions and renovations for instructional space.
Cape May Court House, N.J. – Residents can learn more about the Middle Township Public Schools bond referendum during a community forum at 7 p.m. on Aug 28. A panel including district leaders, the project architect and financial advisors will discuss details and answer questions about the Sept. 17 referendum.
Community members can attend the forum in person at Middle Elementary School #1, 215 Eldredge Road, or virtually through a Zoom link. Those participating virtually can submit questions using the Zoom Q&A feature. A recording of the forum will be posted on middletownshippublicschools.org/future.
The forum is one of many ways the district has been sharing information about the bond referendum to expand and improve school buildings. The communication campaign includes a website and videos, postcards that will be mailed to every home, presentations to community groups, and social media posts.
Proposed projects include building additions and renovations to meet students’ instructional needs, such as tuition-free, full-day pre-k; individualized learning support and enrichment programs. At Memorial Field, a plan to swap grass for weather-resistant turf would increase playing time for students and local recreation leagues.
By holding a bond referendum, the district is asking voters for permission to borrow money by selling bonds. The financing tool provides up-front funding, much the way a homeowner can make improvements through taking out a home equity loan. An approved referendum also would let the district access state aid toward these large-scale building improvements.
If the referendum passes, the state will pay $3 million toward the $26.5 million project costs. The owner of a property assessed at Middle Township’s average of $251,010 could expect an annual tax impact of around $165. Assessed value is different and typically less than market value. Property owners can find assessed values at njpropertyrecords.com
All registered voters with a Middle Township address can vote at the polls on Tuesday, Sept. 17, 4 to 8 p.m., or by mail.
For referendum information and updates, see middletownshippublicschools.org/future/.