Community Invited To Bond Referendum Forum For Stafford Schools

MANAHAWKIN, NJ — Residents of Stafford are invited to learn more about the Stafford Township School District's Sept. 17 bond referendum through a hybrid Community Information Forum on Aug. 28.

The hybrid format, being both in-person and virtual, gives residents the flexibility to choose what's most convenient for them, according to a district news release.

According to the district:

• A Community Information Forum will be held on Wednesday, Aug. 28 at 7 p.m. in the Stafford Township Arts Center, 1000 McKinley Ave., Manahawkin.
  • Residents are welcome to join in person or virtually
  • A Zoom link will be posted on staffordschools.org/vote
  • A video recording will be available on the website after the forum

Community members will hear from professional consultants - the district's architect and financial adviser - who guided the referendum proposal, as well as district staff members who can explain firsthand the benefits of bond funding. Residents will have the opportunity to submit questions about the bond referendum, whether participating in person or online.

The Sept. 17 referendum includes a proposal to gain upfront funding to complete long-lasting improvements to every building across the district, according to officials.

The Stafford Township Board of Education will ask the community to vote Tuesday, Sept. 17 on a $75.7 million bond referendum. The proposed projects are eligible for $15.9 million in state aid that is only available through a voter-approved bond referendum, which would offset the local taxpayers’ share of the total costs.

Projects include an addition to support growing enrollment, updates to the fire systems, upgrades to heating and cooling systems to improve reliability and cost efficiency, increased accessibility features, and much-needed interior renovations.

If voters approve the referendum, residents would see a tax increase of approximately $22 per month for a home assessed at the township average of $294,141.

“We hope Stafford Township residents will join us for the information sessions. Learning how the bond referendum would benefit our district and community is a key component to voting on Sept. 17,” said Superintendent of Schools George Chidiac. “Investing in the district that has served our children for generations is an investment in the future of our community.”

Residents will be able to ask questions in person or online at the Aug. 28 session or by submitting them in advance to vote@staffordschools.org.