Building Excellence Projects Approved Overwhelmingly by Moorestown Voters

Moorestown voters gave their full approval to the school district’s Building Excellence plan for improvements throughout the district Tuesday night.

Voters overwhelmingly approved both questions during the district’s special election, according to unofficial results posted on the county’s website.

The first question dealt with general renovations at Baker, Roberts, South Valley and Upper elementary schools, William Allen Middle School and Moorestown High School. The total cost estimate for this portion of the project is $37,651,091, of which $23,866,655 would be picked up locally.

The State will pay for 37 percent of this project, or $13,784,436. The school district will use two series of existing bonds within the next two years, reducing the tax rate for debt service by about $183 each year.

The district is pursuing a “no tax increase” proposal on this question, permitted due to debt retirement and state aid offers.

This question was approved by a vote of 1,160 (64.59 percent) to 636 (35.41 percent).

The second question addressed specifically:

Site paving and cafeteria tables at Baker Elementary School;

Site paving at both Roberts and South Valley elementary schools;

Carpeting and theater improvement at Upper Elementary School;

Site paving and theater improvement at William Allen Middle School; and

Site paving, gym equipment, and track, turf and lighting at the athletic stadium at Moorestown High School.

The total cost estimate for this portion of the project is $5,263,913, with the total cost of the project being picked up locally. The school district will use two series of existing bonds within the next two years, reducing the tax rate for debt service by about $183 each year.

This question was approved by a vote of 1,051 (58.55 percent) to 744 (41.45 percent).