The projects proposed in the Sept. 16 bond referendum include drainage improvements at South Valley Elementary and other schools.
The Moorestown Board of Education voted last month to hold a Sept. 16 bond referendum focused on easing space constraints, preparing for enrollment growth and replacing aging building systems.
The proposal also includes building upgrades that would enable the district to accommodate anticipated student enrollment growth, and to offer tuition-free full-day kindergarten. The school district is one of only a few in the state without a free, full-day program.
Although plans for a referendum have been publicly discussed for well over a year, the board’s official action was necessary to finalize the questions that will appear on the September ballot.
“The board’s vote to hold a referendum is a big step in a long process to address our schools’ needs,” said board President Mark Villanueva. “We began evaluating building needs several years ago and worked collaboratively with our community to identify priorities. Now, we have the opportunity to secure millions in state funding to make these improvements.”
The school district only receives state funding through voter approval. It is eligible for $18.7 million in state aid toward $108.3 million in total project costs. The projects will be grouped into two ballot questions.
Question 2 cannot pass unless Question 1 is approved. The estimated tax impact is based on a property assessed at Moorestown’s average of $465,125. Assessed value is the value assigned by a municipality that appears on tax bills. It is different and typically lower than the market value.
Projects are:
Question 1:
Elementary renovations; William Allen Middle School additions; gym and facilities renovations; district-wide infrastructure (HVAC, roofs); high-school projects, including replacement of tennis courts and stadium turf; Isenberg gym renovations; and security improvements.
- Cost: $80.3 million
- State aid: $15.9 million
- Estimated monthly tax impact: $37
Question 2:
Operations center, high-school instructional renovations/improvements, athletic enhancements (three new turf fields and lighting) and traffic flow improvements.
- Cost: $28 million
- State aid: $2.7 million
- Estimated monthly tax impact: $17
For more on the referendum, including community outreach events, project details, voting information, financial resources and senior tax relief, go to mtps.com/referendum.
