First Day of School, Referendum is Just Around the Corner

It is hard to believe that the start of the school year is just days away.

While school may not have been in session over the summer, several important things took place in the district, including important referendum decisions.

At the monthly Board of Education meeting on Aug. 12, a presentation was made on the bond referendum. The presentation was also given in June.

There will be two questions on the ballot for the special election on Tuesday, Sept. 30, between 3 p.m. and 9 p.m.

The questions concern various enhancements and necessities, including HVAC repairs, security projects, and facilities improvements, among other items.

As was mentioned in the June column, the state awarded MTPS money through the ROD Grant Program, which allows a portion of approved projects to be funded by the state and the remainder by the district.

A majority of the projects in Question One are ROD Grant eligible, whereas many in question two are not. Due to the retirement of current debt, the passage of Question One would bring a savings of about $2.55 to the average assessed home.

The passage of Question Two would cost about $37.08 per year for the average assessed home, when savings are taken into account.

Additional information on the referendum and its specific components will be available on the district website in the near future.

The Board also voted to approve Policy 7490: Pet Animals on School Property.

This policy states that “in order to ensure the health, safety, and security of all pupils, staff, and visitors, pet animals shall not be permitted on school grounds/facilities during hours in which school is in session and/or when Board-organized or Board-authorized events or extra-curricular activities are scheduled” without prior approval. This includes athletic games and community/recreational activities.

As a reminder, the Moorestown “Back to School” Obstacle Run will take place on Sunday, Sept. 7 (check in at 8:30 am). There will be a one mile run for families with younger children, and a 5k obstacle race for older kids and adults.

After the race there will be a mini festival at the MHS football stadium. All proceeds support Moorestown Township Public Schools. Click here to sign up and for more information.

There are many important dates to be aware of during September.

Transition Day for grades K, 4, 7, and 9 will be on Wednesday, Sept. 3, and the first day of school for all students is Thursday, Sept. 4.

Back to School Nights will take place on Sept. 9 (UES Grade 5), 10 (UES Grade 4), 11 (UES Grade 6), 17 (South Valley, Baker, and Roberts), 18 (WAMS), and 23 (High School).

As always, check the district calendar to confirm dates and times.

Due to some concerns, I also wanted share with you the purpose of this column. My intent in writing the column is to provide a brief overview of occurrences in the district. At any time you are welcome to reach out to MTPS or me for more information.

The next regular Board of Education meeting will take place on Tuesday, Sept. 16, 7:30 pm, in the William Allen Middle School media center. I hope to see or meet you at a future Board of Education meeting.

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The views and content in this column do not necessarily represent those of the Moorestown Board of Education as a whole or any other individual member.

About this column: In this column, Moorestown Board of Education Member Brandon Pugh provides monthly updates on what’s going on in the school district and on the BOE.