Mantua residents will decide on a special bond referendum for our pre-K to sixth-grade school district on Tuesday, Dec. 9. They will be asked to consider approval of $39.1 million for construction and renovations at the district’s three schools. Of that amount, $29.2 million would be the responsibility of the taxpayer; $8.9 million would be covered by state aid; and $1 million would be covered by a capital contribution.
We encourage you to do your due diligence and to educate yourselves on the district’s wants and needs – and its tax implications – before voting. To help you do that, check out my most recent Mayor’s Message Video No. 34, which can be found on our township social media platforms, our YouTube page and at our website at mantuatownship.com/mayors-message.
The video explores what the referendum entails, why it is being proposed, and how it aims to support the future of Mantua’s students and the school community. A conversation with Superintendent Christine Trampe in the video highlights key components of the referendum, including proposed facility improvements, safety upgrades and long-term investments designed to enhance the learning environment across the district.
The video also encourages residents to stay informed and learn how the referendum directly impacts Mantua’s schools and community, and the potential property-tax implications. Tune in to better understand the board of education’s proposal as the district goes forward with planning.
You can get further information on the proposed referendum from the school district’s website at mantuaschools.com/referendum2025/home. Questions or concerns can be emailed to the school district at referendum2025@mantuaschools.com.
We wholeheartedly support our local school district. Our children benefit by an exemplary public school system in Mantua, one of the main reasons the township is in such great demand as a place to live and why property values have been soaring.
Regardless of your feelings regarding the proposed project, the township committee and I encourage you to cast your vote in order to have your voice heard. The sole voting location on Dec. 9 will be at the township fire department, 155 East Union Ave. in the Sewell section of the township. Polls will be open from 6 a.m. until 8 p.m.
- As you may know, a primary goal this year was to draw another restaurant by way of our only available plenary retail consumption liquor license. The license was put out to bid on two separate occasions this year for a minimum bid of $500K. We did not see interest on either one, including the most recent effort on Nov. 12, the submission date for prospective bidders. Residents have continually expressed the need for another restaurant with a liquor license and we couldn’t agree more with that sentiment. This will remain a priority for me as your mayor.
- The Chestnut Branch Park playground resurfacing project is complete and the playing area is now open. The rubberized surface was costly, and we ask that our park-goers treat it with respect. Athletic cleats, high heels, gum, drinks, food and dogs are not permitted on the surface. Permanent signage is being made and cubbies will be provided for cleats and other personal belongings.
- During the month of October, Mantua police handled 3,234 calls for service, made 53 arrests, issued 89 summonses, handled 250 investigation reports and investigated 40 motor-vehicle crashes. I want to take this opportunity to congratulate Cpl. Stephen Wolfsgruber on recently earning the prestigious Gloucester County Officer of the Year award for 2024. We are grateful for his efforts, and thank him and his K-9 Partner, Tyson, for protecting and serving our great community.
