The State of New Jersey offers a property tax reimbursement program known as “Senior Freeze” to applicants who meet eligibility requirements. 

• Once applicants are approved, their property tax payments are “frozen” at the current amount, and they will receive a rebate if taxes increase because of the bond referendum or any other reason.   

• More information, including how someone qualifies for this program, is available through the state’s Senior Freeze webpage or by calling the Senior Tax Freeze hotline at 1-800-882-6597. 

The Stay NJ Property Tax Credit Program, which would cut tax bills in half for seniors making up to $500,000, is targeted to start in early 2026.  

Other current programs are the NJ $250 Senior Citizen Property Tax Deduction and the Affordable New Jersey Communities for Homeowners and Renters (ANCHOR).   

Pre-k students are future elementary, middle and high school students – and we currently don’t have enough space for our youngest learners. The state pays for all staffing and operating costs for pre-k, which makes a big difference in children’s early development. Children who attend pre-k typically need fewer services later in their education, and that translates to budget savings for the district.  

Expansion of tuition-free pre-k is part of a comprehensive plan to expand opportunities for students at every grade level: The additions and renovations at the elementary schools would enhance science and technology instruction; move classes out of a trailer; and provide classrooms for learning support and enrichment that now take place in converted offices, a cafeteria stage and other less-than-optimal areas.  

We work with our architects to explore all potential improvements and would not pursue any project that elevates the risk of injury to our athletes or the community.  

If the vote passes, the architects have discretion in which turf manufacturer to use. The state requires annual GMAX testing of turf to monitor how well the surface can absorb force.  

Turf continues to be a common choice for school districts across New Jersey, and MTHS is one of only four schools in its conference without a turf field.  

We wanted to give our community the opportunity to focus on an important local vote separately from the noise of the presidential election.  

More importantly, the September election date gives us the opportunity to start construction in summer 2025.  

It may be just seven weeks between the Sept. 17 election and the November General Election, but those weeks are critical in a pre-construction timeline that must include creating detailed designs and preparing for a competitive bidding process.  

If we held the election in November, we would have had to wait another year to start any significant construction work. We consider the $43,000 cost of holding a special election a worthwhile investment, as delaying construction another year could be far more expensive. Waiting another year also means we continue paying for temporary patches for aging equipment — such as the $12,500 we just paid to fix outdated field lighting — and risk the cost of emergency repairs.  

The circumstances that led us to hold a bond referendum would not change, and there would be other implications: 

• Any improvements made through the regular budget would be covered entirely through local taxes, without the $3 million in state aid that is only available with an approved referendum 

• Outdated HVAC and lighting equipment would continue to need costly patches. For example, we just paid $12,500 for field lighting repair that may not last the school year. 

• We would continue to have waiting lists for pre-k, inadequate space for small-group instruction and enrichment, and lost playing time after it rains.  

• Overall, if we are unable to best serve the needs of our students, we could lose enrollment, which in turn could lead to less funding and cuts in staff and services.