The Medford Township Public Schools have a responsibility to students to provide reliable, safe, efficient buildings that support effective learning.
But “when roofs leak, and temperatures are too hot or too cold, students are impacted and instruction can be disrupted,” said Superintendent Keira Scussa.
That is why the Medford Township Board of Education is moving toward a March 2027 bond referendum to fund essential building improvements.
This is the second bond referendum the district is seeking. In November 2025, the district sought voter approval of its Healthy Minds, Safe Schools initiative with a ballot question which would have brought in 32 full-time positions plus security and communication system upgrades. The referendum did not pass.
At its September meeting, the board approved a resolution to submit applications for school improvement projects to the New Jersey Department of Education (NJDOE).
“We are very proud of the quality of education at Medford Township Public Schools,” Scussa said. “However, the condition of our buildings challenges our ability to deliver the best possible learning environments.”
Board and district leaders are exploring a bond referendum to fund the estimated $88.6 million cost of improvements at every school – Milton H. Allen, Chairville, Cranberry Pines, Kirby’s Mill, Taunton Forge, Haines 6th Grade and Medford Memorial, which include:
- Replacing roofing to prevent leaks, improve energy efficiency and avoid costly repairs.
- Upgrading aging, inefficient HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) units and replacing geothermal systems to reduce operating costs and streamline maintenance.
- Installing improved security features, including new indoor/outdoor cameras and intercom systems.
- Updating doors and first-floor windows with laminated safety glass.
- Improving parking lots and driveways for smoother pickup and dropoff.
- Replacing worn gym floors and bleachers to create safer, more functional space for programming and activities.
The cost of the improvements cannot feasibly fit in with the annual budget, school officials said.
A successful referendum would bring home significant state aid toward these costs, reducing the impact on taxpayers.
Medford Township Public Schools will communicate the state aid amount and estimated tax impact once the NJDOE completes its review of the proposed projects.
The district has used energy-efficiency grants and capital reserves in recent years to replace items such as boilers and chillers, and addresses regular maintenance through the annual budget.
“Taxpayers from across Burlington County and the entire state pay into the pool of state aid for school improvements,” said Scussa. “A referendum offers an opportunity to bring some of those state tax dollars back to Medford, which is often on the short end of state funding in the annual budget.”
Medford Township Public Schools will share more opportunities to learn about school improvements in the coming months. Information also will be updated on the webpage medfordschools.net/vote.
