Voters in Southampton approved a $14.12-million referendum that school officials say will “secure our schools into the future.”
The referendum received 837 “yes” votes and 722 “no votes. A total of 1,612 individuals – or 17.12% of registered voters – cast votes for the referendum, 924 on election day on March 11 and 688 by mail, according to an election summary report through Burlington County.
“On behalf of the board of education, administration team and myself, we come to you with a profound sense of gratitude and responsibility, acknowledging the recent passage of our school referendum,” school Superintendent Megan Geibel wrote in a letter to the Southampton community on March 12.
“The outcome underscores the diverse perspectives within our community and I want to address both our supporters and those with reservations.”
Leading up to the referendum, Geibel shared a video on the district’s website. She noted that now is an “ideal time” for the district to have a bond referendum, since as of September, it has zero debt.
“This strong financial position allows us to invest in the future of our school while minimizing the financial burden on the taxpayers,” Geibel said. “This bond referendum will allow us to ensure the safety and health of our students, enhance the academics and provide additional opportunities for community members to have access to our schools.”
The Southampton school district currently consists of School No. 1 (K-2), School No. 2 (3-5) and School No. 3 (6-8) and is located in the center of quaint and historic Vincentown Village. Having the entire district located on one campus fosters a sense of “school community” and provides a comfortable continuity for students, according to the district website.
With the proposed referendum, the district expects to provide enhanced learning and teaching environments, preserve investments in schools and students’ futures and maintain excellent stewardship of finances.
“The owner of the average home (at $190,000) would see an annual (tax) increase of $29 a year to support this referendum,” Geibel earlier explained. “That equates to less than $3 a month per average household for all the improvements.”
The district expects a return of $3.5 million if the referendum is successfully approved. Almost $8.8 million worth of proposals were deemed eligible for 40% in state-aid reimbursement, she added.
School No. 1
Various improvements and upgrades include the conversion of the existing 2,500-square-foot bus garage into an annex to house all-purpose, art and music rooms and other support spaces; security upgrades; the installation of a Southampton history wall; the conversion of an existing all-purpose room into an instructional media center; improvements to various building systems; and renovation of the playground.
Geibel said the district wants to move its third-graders back to school No. 1.
School No. 2
Various improvements and upgrades include the construction of new restrooms in certain existing classrooms; security upgrades; improvements to various building systems, including replacement of a 30-year-old boiler; a playground renovation; and flooring improvements, including removing the carpet and replacing it with luxury vinyl tile.
Geibel pointed out that School No. 2 is the best place to house the preschool program because it’s all one level.
School No. 3
Various improvements and upgrades include installation of an all-weather, multi-purpose field to accommodate all sports, including pickleball and volleyball, and a running track with additional lighting upgrades; improvements to flooring, building and security systems, including changing out smoke detector receptors; playground refurbishment; and the removal of the solar array.
Geibel said the district was granted preschool expansion state aid for the school year to fully support the district’s 3- and 4-year-olds in Southampton. That began on Jan. 2 with three preschool classrooms.
“We anticipate six (classrooms) next year,” she reported, “and by year five, to be fully ready to receive nine preschool classrooms. The preschool projects would be something we would start immediately once the referendum is approved, so we could get more of our 3- and 4-year-old population into our schools next year.
“We anticipate going from 45 students this year to 90 students next year in the preschool section.”
Moving forward with the proposed improvements and additions, Geibel said the district’s focus will be on transparency, fiscal responsibility and community engagement.
“We will provide regular updates in the implementation process,” she promised, “ensuring that all community members are informed and engaged.”
