NJ Voters Approve $13.8 Million in School Construction
Tuesday, September 25, 2012
TRENTON, September 25, 2012—Voters approved two of the three bond referendums on Monday’s ballot for a total of $13.88 million in school construction, the New Jersey School Boards Association reported today.
A total of $30.78 million in school construction was proposed among the three districts. In Bergen County, Ridgefield voters approved $2.9 million to upgrade science labs in two schools. In Mercer County, Princeton voters approved $10.98 million for renovations to six schools and the administration building. And in Union County, Westfield voters rejected a $16.9 million proposal for roofs and turf field upgrades.
None of the proposed projects would have received state aid. The ballots specifically noted that the proposals would have qualified for at least 40 percent of eligible costs to be covered by the state, but added the “state has not been approving any capital projects for which state facilities aid is requested.”
The final Tuesday in September is one of five dates a year in which school boards can hold a bond referendum. However, this week’s election date was moved to Monday due to the Jewish holiday of Yom Kippur on Tuesday. Details of the Sept. 24 school construction proposals are below.
New Jersey School Construction Referendum Results
Monday, Sept. 24, 2012
STATEWIDE
Total amount approved – $13,880,000 ($30,780,000 requested)
BERGEN COUNTY
Ridgefield – Approved
Renovations to science labs in two schools.
Total amount: $2,900,000
MERCER COUNTY
Princeton – Approved
Renovations to six schools and the administration building (including windows/doors, electric, classroom upgrades, roof repairs, drainage, HVAC, playground, gym and athletic facilities).
Total amount: $10,980,000
UNION COUNTY
Westfield – Rejected
Roof replacement and upgrades to athletic field.
Total amount: $16,900,000