The township school district is sharing new ways for voters to learn about the Sept. 16 bond referendum to improve and expand schools.
A virtual forum on Tuesday, Aug. 19, will feature a panel of district leaders, project architects and financial advisors, who will discuss the referendum and answer the public’s questions. Community members are invited to attend the forum by visiting https://sites.google.com/mtps.us/future?usp=sharing. The session will be recorded and posted at mtps.com/referendum.
The district also recorded several videos to inform voters about all aspects of the referendum. An overview video explains the projects, the two-question ballot structure and the funding strategy that includes $18.7 million in state aid with voter approval.
Shorter videos highlight how the proposed projects would solve issues that include traffic congestion, aging HVAC and roofs, space constraints and athletic area conditions. Watch the videos here. The district also plans a town-wide mailing and continues to share information on a dedicated website, mtps.com/referendum, and through the school district’s Facebook and Instagram accounts.
The bond referendum is the culmination of years of planning and community input to address facility upgrades and classroom space shortages and prepare for enrollment growth from new and existing housing.
Together, the two ballot questions include improvements to support the instructional experience at every school in the district.
- Question 1 projects include elementary renovations for space, William Allen Middle School additions, gym/facilities renovations, HVAC upgrades, roof replacements, tennis court replacement, stadium turf, Isenberg Gym updates and security improvements
Total project cost: $80.3 million
State aid: $16 million
Estimated tax impact: $37 per month for the owner of home at the average assessed value of $465,125 (different than market value).
- Question 2 projects include the operations center; Moorestown High instructional renovations and improvements; and Bridgeboro Road fields, lighting and traffic flow
Total project cost: $28 million
State aid: $2.7 million
Estimated tax impact: $17 per month for owner of home at the average assessed value of $465,125 (different than market value)
Residents can check the Burlington Property Tax Assessment search at co.burlington.nj.us to find the assessed values of their homes. Registered voters can cast their ballots by mail or in person on Tuesday, Sept. 16, from 2 to 8 p.m.
For more on the referendum – including community outreach events, project details, voting information and resources such as senior tax relief applications – visit mtps.com/referendum.
