Point Pleasant Beach School Referendum Approved

by Patricia A. Miller

Voters here recently approved the $9.9 million referendum sought by Point Pleasant Beach school officials for a number of improvements in the district’s schools.

Residents voted 559 to 312 in favor of the proposal on Nov. 3, according to the Ocean County Clerk’s Office.

The local share of the project is $5,988,194. The state would kick in $3,911,806. But the estimated tax increase to Point Beach residents would be zero.

The district is retiring an old debt payment during the 2015-2016 school year and issuing new debt, according to the district website.

“The tax increase is anticipated to be zero,” the website states.

The district needs to make a number of upgrades, including ”life safety” - fire alarms, an emergency generator and interior and exterior lighting.

Some roofs, exterior doors and windows need to be replaced, along with brick repairs, replacement of gym bleachers and lighting, and resurfacing of the elementary school gym floor.

The referendum also calls for replacing outdated HVAC systems with new and more energy efficient systems, expanding and upgrading parking lots, storm drainage repairs and ADA improvements, the website states.

“State aid can only be used if the referendum passes,” the website states.

The district has two schools - Point Pleasant Beach High School and the G. Harold Antrim Elementary School.