$75.7M Bond Referendum Set This Fall In Stafford

STAFFORD, NJ — A $75.7 million bond referendum is set for Sept. 17, the Stafford Township Board of Education announced.

The referendum will fund building improvements that will support students, staff and the community, according to school officials.

State aid, which is only available through a voter-approved bond referendum, would contribute $15.9 million toward the total cost of the projects.

The board is pursuing a referendum as a responsible financial strategy to address the highest priority facility needs, they said in a news release.

“Our buildings are in need of improvements so they can continue to serve our great community,” said Superintendent of Schools George Chidiac. “The bond referendum would allow us to make these necessary updates with the assistance of state aid, rather than relying entirely on local taxes.”

The pre-K-8 district said that it worked with financial advisers to carefully choose projects that would address long-lasting building improvements and accommodate continued enrollment growth.

If the bond referendum is approved, the owner of a home assessed at the average of $294,141 would see an estimated tax impact of about $22 per month. This increase to school debt tax would not appear on tax bills until 2026. Without voter approval, critical repairs would still need to be made without the help of state aid. Please note this tax impact is estimated on the assessed value of the home, which is typically much lower than market value.

Voters will be asked to consider funding for these projects, per the district:

• Structure and system upgrades: Major projects like roofing repairs, electrical service upgrades and information technology system updates would improve health, safety, reliability and cost efficiency – with the benefit of state aid.
• Updated fire systems: Current equipment is so old that replacement parts are no longer manufactured. The new equipment would feature improved technology.
• Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) updates: Installing new heating and cooling units at McKinley Avenue, Ocean Acres, and Ronald L. Meinders Primary Learning Center would improve comfort, air quality and cost efficiency.
• Extra classroom space: An addition to Oxycocus Elementary with new classrooms would give the district the space it needs. Relocating all preschool classes to one centralized location would allow the district to serve students more effectively, free up classrooms at other schools, and maintain small class sizes.
• Interior improvements: Replacing ceilings and lighting, increasing Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliance, installing new flooring and updating classroom storage would modernize schools and make them more welcoming and functional for students, staff and community members who use the spaces.

The district will use various methods to educate all voters, including the dedicated website staffordschools.org/vote, social media, local media outlets, a town-wide mailing and a bond referendum information forum.

“We encourage members of the community to learn about this bond referendum and how it would offer significant benefits to our students and the community as a whole,” said Board of Education President Tammy Wagner. “This investment in our facilities would continue to serve our growing community now and into the future.”