Voters In 4 West Essex Towns Will Make Big Decision About Schools In 2026 Election

CALDWELLS, NJ — School districts across New Jersey will be holding voter referendums for the 2026 election, including a $49.1 million construction proposal that would impact residents of Essex Fells, Fairfield, North Caldwell and Roseland.

The West Essex Regional Board of Education has approved two ballot questions for the general election on Tuesday, Nov. 3. If voters give them a green light, they would pay for a combined $49.41 million in “critical facility needs” throughout the district. An estimated $9.28 million in state aid would help to defray some of the cost.

The district has created a website about the referendum, which can be seen online here. A list of frequently asked questions can be seen here.

The West Essex Regional School District serves roughly 1,700 students in grades 7 to 12 from Essex Fells, Fairfield, North Caldwell and Roseland.

>> RELATED: School Upgrades Would Mean Tax Hike For These West Essex Homeowners

West Essex Regional isn’t the only school district that will be asking voters to decide on a big question this November.

The New Jersey School Boards Association recently shared the following list of school referendums that will be appearing in the 2026 election:

BURLINGTON COUNTY

Bordentown Regional School District

(Bordentown City, Burlington Township, Fields Borough)

Bond Proposal Question – The Board of Education of the Bordentown Regional School District in the County of Burlington, New Jersey (the “Board”) is authorized (a) to undertake various improvements, alterations, renovations and upgrades at Bordentown Regional High School, Bordentown Regional Middles School, MacFarland Intermediate School, Clara Barton Elementary School, and Peter Muschal Elementary School, including acquisition and installation of fixtures, equipment, any site work, related work, and costs: (b) to appropriate $86,107,900.

The final eligible costs for the projects approved by the new Jersey Commissioner of Education are $86,107,900 (consisting of $29,374,000 for Bordentown Elementary School, and $19,396,500 for Bordentown Regional Middle School, $9,980,900 for MacFarland Intermediate School, $10,690,500 for Clara Barton Elementary School, and $16,666,000 for Peter Muschal Elementary School). The projects include $0 for school facility construction elements in addition to the facilities efficiency standards developed by the Commissioner of Education or not otherwise eligible for State of New Jersey (the “State”) support pursuant to N.J.S.A. 18A;7G-5(g). The State debt service aid percentage is equal to 40% of the annual debt service due with respect to the final eligible costs of the projects. The Board is authorized to transfer funds among the projects approved at this election.

Bonding amount proposed: $86,107,900

State funding proposed: $34,443,160

CAPE MAY COUNTY

Stone Harbor

BOND PROPOSAL QUESTION – The Board of Education of the Borough of Stone Harbor in the County of Cape May, New Jersey (the “Board”) is authorized to: (a) undertake the replacement of a portion of the roof at Stone Harbor Elementary School, including any related improvements; (b) appropriate $1,500,000 for such improvements; and (c) issue bonds in an amount not to exceed $1,500,000.

The final eligible costs for the projects approved by the New Jersey Commissioner of Education are $1,500,000. The projects include $0 for school facility construction elements in addition to the facilities efficiency standards developed by the Commissioner of Education or not otherwise eligible for State of New Jersey (the “State”) support pursuant to N.J.S.A. 18A:7G-5(g). The State debt service aid percentage is equal to 40% of the annual debt service due with respect to the final eligible costs of the projects.

Bonding amount proposed: $1,500,000

State funding proposed: $600,000

HUNTERDON COUNTY

Delaware Valley Regional High School District

Bond Proposal Question - The Board of Education of the Delaware Valley Regional High School District in the County of Hunterdon, New Jersey (the “Board”) is authorized to: (a) purchase and install a fire alarm system at Delaware Valley Regional High School to replace the existing 20-year-old system equipment; (b) appropriate $926,000 for such acquisition and improvements; and (c) issue bonds in an amount not to exceed $926,000.

The final eligible costs for the projects approved by the New Jersey Commissioner of Education are $926,000. The project includes $0 for school facility construction elements in addition to the facilities efficiency standards developed by the Commissioner of Education or not otherwise eligible for State of New Jersey (the “State”) support pursuant to N.J.S.A. 18A:7G-5(g). The State debt service aid percentage is equal to 40% of the annual debt service due with respect to the final eligible costs of the projects.

Bonding amount proposed: $926,000

State funding proposed: $370,400

Holland Township School District

BOND PROPOSAL QUESTION NO. 1 - The Board of Education of the Township of Holland in the County of Hunterdon, New Jersey (the “Board”) is authorized to (a) undertake various improvements, renovations, alterations and upgrades at the Holland Township School, including but not limited to the replacement of roofing, various HVAC improvements and the replacement of asbestos flooring, including acquisition and installation of fixtures, equipment, and any site work; (b) appropriate $11,550,060 for such improvements; and (c) issue bonds in an amount not to exceed $11,550,060.

The final eligible costs for the projects approved by the New Jersey Commissioner of Education are $11,550,060. The projects include $0 for school facility construction elements in addition to the facilities efficiency standards developed by the Commissioner of Education or not otherwise eligible for State support pursuant to N.J.S.A. 18A:7G-5(g). The State debt service aid percentage will equal 40% of the annual debt service due with respect to the final eligible costs of the projects. The Board of Education is authorized to transfer funds among the projects approved at this election.

Bonding amount proposed: $11,550,060

State funding proposed: $4,620,024

Bond Proposal Question No. 2 - (Bond Proposal Question No. 2 will only go into effect if Bond Proposal Question No. 1 is also approved by the voters at this election.) The Board of Education of the Township of Holland in the County of Hunterdon, New Jersey (the “Board”) is authorized to (a) undertake various improvements, renovations, alterations and upgrades at Holland Township School, including but not limited to window replacement, renovations to bathrooms, lockers, flooring, classrooms, the multi-purpose room and the installation of an alarm, including acquisition and installation of fixtures, furniture, equipment, and any site work; (b) appropriate $4,422,600 for such improvements; and (c) issue bonds in an amount not to exceed $4,422,600.

The final eligible costs for the projects approved by the New Jersey. Commissioner of Education are $4,422,600. The projects include $0 for school facility construction elements in addition to the facilities efficiency standards developed by the Commissioner of Education or not otherwise eligible for State support pursuant to N.J.S.A. 18A:7G-5(g). The State debt service aid percentage is 40% of the annual debt service due with respect to the final eligible costs of the projects. The Board of Education is authorized to transfer funds among the projects approved at this election.

Bonding amount proposed: $4,422,600

State funding proposed: $1,769,040

Flemington-Raritan Regional School District

Bond Proposal Question - The Board of Education of the Flemington-Raritan Regional School District in the County of Hunterdon, New Jersey (the “Board”) is authorized (a) to undertake various improvements, alterations, renovations, and upgrades at J.P. Case Middle School, Reading-Fleming Intermediate School, Barley Sheaf Elementary School, Copper Hill Elementary School, Francis A. Desmares Elementary School, and Robert Hunter Elementary School, including acquisition and installation of fixtures, equipment, any site work and related work and costs; (b) to appropriate $30,320,944 for such improvements; and (c) to issue bonds in an amount not to exceed $30,320,944.

The final eligible costs for the projects approved by the New Jersey Commissioner of Education are $30,320,944 (consisting of $9,732,750 for J.P. Case Middle School, $8,874,000 for Reading-Fleming Intermediate School, $2,825,000 for Barley Sheaf Elementary School, $1,303,250 for Copper Hill Elementary School, $1,145,750 for Francis A. Desmares Elementary School, and $6,440,194 for Robert Hunter Elementary School). The projects include $0 for school facility construction elements in addition to the facilities efficiency standards developed by the Commissioner of Education or not otherwise eligible for State of New Jersey (the “State”) support pursuant to N.J.S.A. 18A:7G-5(g). The State debt service aid percentage is equal to 40% of the annual debt service due with respect to the final eligible costs of the projects. The Board is authorized to transfer funds among the projects approved at this election.

Bonding amount proposed: $30,320,944

State funding proposed: $12,128,377.60

MONMOUTH COUNTY

Neptune City

Bond Proposal Question - Neptune City Board of Education Bond Proposal Question The Board of Education of the Borough of Neptune City in the County of Monmouth, New Jersey (the “Board”) is authorized to (a) undertake various improvements, renovations, and upgrades at Woodrow Wilson School, including but not limited to the replacement of various portions of roofing, various HVAC and electrical repairs and upgrades, renovations to toilet rooms, and various improvements to the corridor, including acquisition and installation of fixtures, equipment, and any site work; (b) appropriate $6,987,840 for such acquisition and improvements; and (c) issue bonds in an amount not to exceed $6,987,840.

The final eligible costs for the projects approved by the New Jersey Commissioner of Education are $6,987,840. The projects include $0 for school facility construction elements in addition to the facilities efficiency standards developed by the Commissioner of Education or not otherwise eligible for State of New Jersey (the "State”) support pursuant to N.J.S.A. 18A:7G-5(g). The State debt service aid percentage is equal to 40% of the annual debt service due with respect to the final eligible costs of the projects. The Board of Education is authorized to transfer funds among the projects approved at this election. Do you approve this Bond Proposal Question?

Bonding amount proposed: $6,987,840

State funding proposed: $2,795,136

Rumson Board of Education

Bond Proposal Question - The Board of Education of the Borough of Rumson in the County of Monmouth, New Jersey is authorized: (a) to provide for renovations, alterations, improvements and additions at Deane-Porter Elementary School and Forrestdale School, including acquisition and installation of equipment, fixtures and furnishings, site work and related work and costs; (b) to appropriate $13,603,291 for such purposes and (c) to issue bonds of the school district in the principal amount of $13,603,291.

The final eligible costs of the projects approved by the Commissioner of Education are $5,089,965 (with $4,249,213 allocated to Deane-Porter Elementary School and $840,752 allocated to Forrestdale School). The projects include $1,412,459 allocated to Forrestdale School for elements in addition to the facilities efficiency standards developed by the Commissioner of Education or not otherwise eligible for State support pursuant to N.J.S.A. 18A:7G-5(g). Under State law the debt service aid percentage as defined is zero percent, but the state share will be 40% of the annual debt service due with respect to the final eligible costs of the projects, contingent on annual state budget appropriations. The Board of Education is authorized to transfer funds among the projects approved at this election.

Bonding amount proposed: $5,089,965

State funding proposed: $2,035,986

MORRIS COUNTY

Boonton Township

Bond Proposal Question – The Board of Education of the Township of Boonton in the County of Morris, New Jersey (the “Board”) is authorized to (a) undertake various improvements, alterations, renovations, and upgrades at Rockaway Valley School, including but not limited to the construction of an addition and corridor expansion and renovations, reconfiguration and renovations of various existing classrooms, renovation and expansion of the science lab, renovations and ADA improvements to the art room and to the school nurse’s facilities, upgrades and improvements to the HVAC system, replacement of the existing security system and fire alarm system, various electrical upgrades, replacement of widows in the Lower Gym, replacement of various portions of roofing, abatement of hazardous materials and related renovations, and lighting upgrades and new ceilings, including acquisition and instillation of fixtures, furniture, equipment, and any site work; (b) appropriate $28,458,812 for such improvements; and (c) issue bonds in an amount not to exceed $28,458,812, and such bonds may only be utilized to fund the projects described in this Bond Proposal Question.

The final eligible costs for the projects approved by the New Jersey Commissioner of Education are $21,185,538. The projects include $0 for school facility construction elements in addition to the facilities efficiency standards developed by the Commissioner of Education or not otherwise eligible for State support pursuant to N.J.S.A. 18A;7G-5(g). The State debt service aid percentage will equal 40% of the annual debt service due with respect to the final eligible costs of the projects. The Board of Education is authorized to transfer funds among the projects approved at this election.

Bonding amount proposed: $21,185,538

State funding proposed: $8,474,215,20

Mount Olive Township

Bond Proposal Question – The Board of Education of Mount Olive in the County of Morris, New Jersey (the “Board”) is authorized to (a) undertake the replacement of the roof at Mountain View Elementary School, including any related work and costs: (b) appropriate $2,317,496 for such improvements; and (c) issue bonds in an amount not to exceed $2,317,496.

The final eligible costs for the projects approved by the New Jersey Commissioner of Education are $2,317,496. The projects include $0 for school facility construction elements in addition to the facilities efficiency standards developed by the Commissioner of Education or not otherwise eligible for State support pursuant to N.J.S.A.18A;7G-5(g). The State debt service aid percentage is 40% of the annual debt service due with respect to the final eligible costs of the projects.

Bonding amount proposed: $2,317,496

State funding proposed: $926,998.40

OCEAN COUNTY

Ocean Township

Bond Proposal Question – The Board of Education of the Township of Ocean in the County of Ocean, New Jersey (the “Board”) is authorized to (a) undertake various renovations, upgrades and improvements at Frederic A. Priff School, including but not limited to the replacement of roofing, upgrades and improvements to the existing emergency generator, and various mechanical and HVAC improvements and upgrades, including acquisition and installation of any related fixtures, equipment, and any site work; (b) undertake various renovations, upgrades, and improvements at Waretown Elementary School, including but not limited to the replacement of roofing, upgrade and improvements to the existing emergency generator and to the fire alarm system, various mechanical and HVAC improvement and upgrades, including acquisition and installation of any related fixtures, equipment, and any site work; (c) appropriate $12,729,600 for such improvements and (d) issue bonds in an amount not to exceed $12,729,600.

The final eligible costs for the projects approved by the New Jersey Commissioner of Education are $12,729,600 (consisting of $5,929,300 for Frederic A. Priff School and $6,800,300 for Waretown Elementary School). The projects include $0 for school facility construction elements in addition to the facilities efficiency standards developed by the Commissioner of Education or not otherwise eligible for State support pursuant to N.J.S.A. 18A;7G-5(g). The State debt service aid percentage is 40% of the annual debt service due with respect to the final eligible costs of the projects. The Board of Education is authorized to transfer funds among the projects approved at this election.

Bonding amount proposed: $12,729,600

State funding proposed: $5,091,840

SOMERSET COUNTY

Branchburg

Bond Proposal Question No. 1 – The Board of Education of the Township of Branchburg in the County of Somerset, New Jersey (the “Board”) is authorized to (a) undertake various improvements, alterations, renovations, and mechanical upgrades at Stony Brook School, including acquisition and installation of fixtures, furniture and equipment and any site work: (b) undertake various improvements, alterations, renovations, mechanical upgrades, and partial roof replacement at Whiton Elementary School, including acquisition and installat9on of fixtures, furniture and equipment, an any site work; (c) undertake various improvements, alternat9on, renovations, and mechanical upgrades at Branchburg Central Middle School, including acquisition and installation of fixtures, furniture and equipment, and any site work; (d) appropriate $15,028, 799 for such improvements; and (e) issue bonds in an amount not to exceed $15,028.799.

The final eligible costs for the projects approved by the New Jersey Commissioner of Education are $15,028,799 (consisting of $3,485,134 for Stony Brook School, $4,453,255 for Whiton Elementary School , and $7,090,410 for Branchburg Central Meddles School). The projects include $0 for school facility construction element in addition to the facilities efficiency standards developed by the Commissioner of Education or not otherwise eligible for State support pursuant to N.J.S.A. 18a;7G-5(G). The State Debt service aid percentage is equal to 40% of the annual debt service due with respect to the final eligible costs of the projects. The Board of Education is authorized to transfer funds only among the projects approved at this election.

Bonding amount proposed: $15,028,799

State funding proposed: $6,011,519.60

Bond Proposal Question No. 2 - (Bond Proposal Question No. 2 will only go into effect if the Board Proposal Question No. 1 is also approved by the voters at this election.)

The Boad of Education of the Township of Branchburg in the County of Somerset, New Jersey (the ”Board”) is authorized to (a)undertake various improvements, alterations, renovations upgrades, and to construct an addition to include a gymnasium, nurse’s suite, various classrooms, and restrooms at Stony Brook School, including acquisition and installation of fixtures, furniture and equipment, and any site work; (b) appropriate $19,852,100 for such improvements; and (c) issue bonds in an amount not to exceed $19,852,100.

The final eligible costs for the projects approved by the New Jersey Commissioner of Education are $2,284,063. The projects include $0 for school facility construction elements in addition to the facilities efficiency standards developed by the Commissioner of Education or not otherwise eligible for State support pursuant to N.J.S.A. 18A;7G-5(g). The State debt service aid percentage is equal to 40% of the annual debt service due with respect to the final eligible costs of the projects. The Board of Education is authorized to transfer funds only among the projects approved at this election.

Bonding amount proposed: $2,284,063

State funding proposed: $913,625.20

WARREN COUNTY

Allamuchy

BOND PROPOSAL QUESTION - The Board of Education of the Township of Allamuchy in the County of Warren, New Jersey (the “Board”) is authorized to: (a) undertake various improvements, renovations, and upgrades at Allamuchy Township School, including but not limited to the replacement of roofing, windows, and wood siding, masonry repairs, and mechanical and HVAC system upgrades, including acquisition of any fixtures, equipment, and site work; (b) undertake various improvements, renovations, and upgrades at Mountain Villa School, including but not limited to repairs and upgrades to windows and lintels, masonry repairs, and upgrades to the insulation, including acquisition of any fixtures, equipment and site work; (c) appropriate $16,421,600 for such improvements; and (d) issue bonds in an amount not to exceed $16,421,600.

The final eligible costs for the projects approved by the New Jersey Commissioner of Education are $16,421,600 (consisting of $15,746,600 for Allamuchy Township School and $675,000 for Mountain Villa School). The projects include $0 for school facility construction elements in addition to the facilities efficiency standards developed by the Commissioner of Education or not otherwise eligible for State of New Jersey (the “State”) support pursuant to N.J.S.A. 18A:7G-5(g). The State debt service aid percentage is equal to 40% of the annual debt service due with respect to the final eligible costs of the projects. The Board of Education is authorized to transfer funds among the projects approved at this election.

Bonding amount proposed: $16,421,600

State funding proposed: $6,568,640

TAX LEVY QUESTIONS

BERGEN COUNTY

Oradell

Proposal - Should the Oradell Public School District permanently increase the local annual school tax levy by $73,118.42 to fund an armed Special Law Enforcement Officer (SLEO) at Oradell Public School, including coverage by a substitute officer during the SLEO's absences? The funding would be in addition to the amount needed to operate the District's educational program and meet the New Jersey Student Learning Standards.

BURLINGTON COUNTY

Burlington Township

Proposal - The Board of Education of the Township of Burlington, in the County of Burlington, New Jersey (“School District”), shall raise an additional $567,391 for General Funds from taxes in the 2026-2027 school year. These taxes will be used for: (i) the addition of two (2) elementary school teachers to reduce class sizes; (ii) the addition of one (1) music teacher to expand the School District’s music program; and (iii) the expansion of athletic programs at the Burlington Township Middle School, in each case to include additional costs and expenses for salaries, benefits, and/ or other compensation and other program related expenses. Approval of these taxes will result in a permanent increase in the School District’s tax levy. The additional taxes authorized herein will be used exclusively for the purposes described herein and to fund expenditures that are in addition to those necessary to achieve the New Jersey Student Learning Standards.

CAMDEN COUNTY

Collingswood

Proposal - The Collingswood Board of Education is seeking approval from the district’s legal voters to raise an additional $4,560,822 for the 22-40 for the following purposes: maintain staffing levels, support student services, maintain current education programs and services and maintain facilities. Approval of these taxes will result in a permanent increase in the district’s tax levy.

HUNTERDON COUNTY

North Hunterdon-Voorhees Regional High School District

Proposal - Shall the Board of Education of the Bloomsbury School District be permitted to join the North Hunterdon-Voorhees Regional High School District as a constituent member with the tax apportionment formula to remain 100% on each municipality’s equalized valuation allocated to the regional district as provided by state law and with the membership of the North Hunterdon-Vorhees Regional Board of Education to be expanded to 13 members with such membership to be apportioned utilizing the same methodology currently utilized by the North Hunterdon-Voorhees Regional Board of Education.

BOARD OF EDUCATION COMPOSITION QUESTIONS

BURLINGTON COUNTY

Washington Township

Proposal - “Shall the size of the Board of Education of the Washington Township School District be reduced from five (5) members to three (3) members?”

HUDSON COUNTY

East Newark

Proposal - Do you approve of reducing the number of members of the East Newark Board of Education from nine (9) members to seven (7) members?

OCEAN COUNTY

Lakewood

Proposal - Shall the membership of the Board of Education of the Lakewood School District be reduced from nine (9) members to seven (7) members by filling only one (1) of the three (3) Board member seats whose terms expire on December 31, 2026, resulting in a seven-members Board of Education effective January 1, 2027?

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