Politics & Government
Flemington-Raritan $30.3M School Capital Improvement Referendum Passes In Unofficial Results
Voters backed major improvements across six schools, according to preliminary results. Here's what the vote means for taxpayers.
FLEMINGTON, NJ — Voters in Flemington Borough and Raritan Township have backed a $30.3 million school improvement referendum, according to preliminary, unofficial results released by the Flemington-Raritan Regional School District.
In a press release provided to Patch, the district reported 6,275 votes in favor, or 57.37 percent, compared with 4,663 votes against, or 42.63 percent.
The results remain unofficial until all mail-in and provisional ballots are counted and certified.
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The funding would allow the district to proceed with infrastructure repairs, security improvements and modernization projects across its six schools: J.P. Case Middle School, Reading-Fleming Intermediate School, Robert Hunter Elementary School, Barley Sheaf Elementary School, Copper Hill Elementary School and Francis A. Desmares Elementary School.
As Patch previously reported, the district proposed the bond as part of its "Strengthening Our Schools. Preserving Our Future." initiative, which also includes improvements to classrooms, playgrounds and shared learning spaces.
Find out what's happening in Flemingtonfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Under the district's earlier projections, annual debt-service taxes on an average-assessed home would decrease by $59.18 in Flemington and $101.07 in Raritan Township.
Superintendent Dr. Clifford Burns thanked voters for supporting the investment.
"We are deeply grateful to our community members for recognizing the importance of investing in our facilities right now," Burns said in the release.
"With older debt rolling off the books as this new lower debt comes on, and with 40% of eligible costs covered by state debt-service aid, taxpayers will see a decrease in their school levy," Burns also said.
The district said work on the improvements will begin following project scheduling and required state regulatory approvals.
Residents can follow project updates through the Flemington-Raritan Regional School District website and review election results through the Hunterdon County Clerk's website.
Have a correction or news tip? Email dani.sepe@patch.com.
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