The amount borrowed for a bond referendum is a set amount - legally the district can only borrow the amount stated on the ballot. That borrowed amount is known as school debt service. A reassessment, or revaluation, generally increases the tax base (total assessed value of all taxable properties) and can increase the assessed value of individual homes. However, since the “price” of the debt service does not change, neither does the amount of taxes needed to pay it.

There are many considerations that go into planning for a bond referendum. At the top of that list is the need to balance school facilities issues with our responsibility to be good stewards of tax dollars. Part of this process includes ensuring that the lifespan of the items in the proposal is in line with the term of the bond. Bonds are issued for the useful life of the improvements being financed.  

The majority of the proposed improvements are anticipated to receive a minimum 20-year manufacturer’s warranty and are expected to last longer than that with proper maintenance.

Yes, new construction was discussed but ultimately not pursued because it is not the most cost-effective solution for the district or taxpayers. Renovating the existing buildings is significantly more economical, particularly given the availability of state aid. 

The state provides financial assistance for school construction based on the number of "unhoused students"—students for whom there are not enough classrooms. Since our schools have adequate capacity for the student population, new construction would receive little to no state aid. In contrast, nearly every improvement proposed in the referendum qualifies for the maximum amount of state aid—up to 40% of the eligible costs. For Freehold Township, this amounts to approximately $45 million in state funding to help modernize and improve our schools. 

Additionally, the district’s existing buildings are structurally sound and well-maintained. Their foundations, framing, and overall construction remain in good condition, making renovations a smart investment. By upgrading rather than replacing these buildings, we can extend their lifespan for decades while making essential improvements for students and staff at a much lower cost than building entirely new facilities.

The district has invested nearly $28 million toward maintaining the schools since 2016. This includes projects such as roofing replacement; replacing gym bleachers and flooring; HVAC upgrades; hardware replacement for some doors; exterior paving; sidewalk and ramp improvements; and adding an emergency generator. 

These improvements have extended the lifespan of various items but after a certain point, the equipment can no longer be replaced, parts are nearly impossible to find for obsolete systems, and roofing and systems are simply out of warranty and costly to repair. 

Although elementary students from Donovan were temporarily housed at other schools during the closure, such an arrangement is not a long-term solution that would align with Freehold Township’s quality of education. 

All available spaces at other schools, even those not intended for classrooms, were utilized to ensure continuity for our Donovan students. These makeshift areas worked on a temporary basis but were ultimately being shared by more students than they were designed to support.

Over the next two to five years, new housing units will be built in Freehold Twp., which could cause enrollment to increase. Simply put, all our buildings need to be open and operational to provide the appropriate level of education for Freehold Township students.

The Department of Education program that provides debt service aid has been around since 2000. This program has been the state’s primary mechanism for supporting school funding for facilities improvements, while districts preserve the annual budget for daily operations directly related to education.  

Another assurance to the taxpayers is the district’s Preliminary Eligible Cost (PEC) letters that affirm the amount of debt service aid toward the projects. As part of the referendum process, the district submitted project applications for the proposed work. These applications were reviewed and approved, with the promise that, if voters approve, the state will pay that amount to the district annually to offset the taxpayers’ share of the investment. 

The district is consistently seeking opportunities to use federal and local incentives and grants to complete maintenance upgrades and projects outside the budget. For example, Freehold Township School District has maximized the amount of money saved by participating in clean energy incentive programs, a state grant to replace $1.4 million in rooftop HVAC equipment at Applegate and Errickson, a federal grant program for clean energy and energy efficiency upgrades, and a state program for energy-related improvements to facilities. 

The aging roofing and systems have been maintained beyond their expected useful lifespan, and the district’s architects have determined that replacing them is the most cost-efficient option. Using a referendum to help offset the community’s investment spreads the cost over time and gives the district approximately $45 million in state debt service aid toward the project costs.  

A referendum is another example of seeking funding outside the budget, and these efforts would continue, even if the referendum is passed. In addition to continuing to look for grant and incentive opportunities, if voters approve the referendum, the district will research the option to install solar as a way to offset the energy costs. This option is currently not feasible because the roofing is so old, it does meet the minimum requirements for solar installation.

We’ve heard some questions in the community about why the bond referendum is being held in March 2025 and not during the General Election in November 2025.  

The key reason is fundamental: The sooner we hold a vote, the sooner we can address school building needs, if the referendum is approved. Voter approval in March would allow the first phase of work to begin as soon as summer 2026.

The State of New Jersey offers five dates for school districts to hold an election – in January, March, September, November during the General Election, and December.  

After the required New Jersey Department of Education review of our proposed school improvements, the March referendum date was our earliest option to optimize work being done during the summer, with the least amount of disruption to education. 

When a referendum is approved, the architects must then create detailed designs and prepare construction documents and specifications.  

Then a competitive bidding process is held to award contracts to the lowest qualified bidder, plus an additional review by the State that is sometimes required. This whole operation takes many months, and delaying a vote from March to November could significantly impact the timeline by delaying work for another year. Some of the infrastructure that needs to be replaced may not last through that additional year.

Inefficient and outdated classroom HVAC units without dehumidification systems prompted Donovan’s recent closure. These older units were cleaned to maximize efficiency, the damage was repaired, remediation took place, and the building was reopened. Although they were cleaned and repaired, the HVAC units were not replaced, and no renovations were made during the closure. All the work completed was in direct correlation to the damage caused by the insufficient dehumidification systems. 

There was some pending construction work associated with a previous HVAC project which was done while the school was shut down. This was limited to one classroom wing, which was not affected by the humidity issue.

The bond referendum is one of the only ways the school can generate the funding needed to make major facilities updates that would continue to serve our community. School districts with an excellent reputation, like Freehold Township, are a top factor for home buyers when looking for a place to live. Even if you no longer have school-age children, school districts can still impact your home value and living area.  

Proposed projects were strategically selected for the referendum because they qualify for the maximum amount of debt service aid, which reduces the amount that residents pay for the projects through local tax bills. For Freehold Township, the state is willing to give approximately $45 million in debt service aid toward these projects, plus upfront funding, with voter approval. Without an approved referendum, 100% of the costs would be covered from the annual budget - funded mostly by taxpayers - and would be spread over many years.

Your tax dollars, as well as those from every other taxpayer in New Jersey, contribute to the state revenue that helps fund school improvements. The only way to bring that funding back to invest in our schools is through a voter-approved referendum. Other districts across the state are tapping into this money, including our neighbors in Manalapan and Englishtown.    

About 24 years ago, voters approved a referendum to improve the schools. Not all voters had students in the schools, but they voted for improvements that invested in the district and supported a generation of students. The cost of that referendum is shared across every resident, and when a community member moves away, that cost is passed on to the next resident who lives in that home and benefits from the quality schools.   

The district has existing debt from a previous school-improvements investment that will expire during the 2031-2032 school year. The last payment on that investment will be made in February 2032. Starting in March 2032, every homeowner will begin to see a gradual annual decrease on their tax bills. The school tax decrease will occur whether the referendum passes or not. 

If voters approve the March 11 referendum, the tax increase would begin in July 2026, so there would be an overlap of the two investments until March 2032. 

The State of New Jersey has programs for property tax relief.  

• The Property Tax Reimbursement (PTR program), otherwise known as "Senior Freeze," offers property tax reimbursements for senior citizens and people with disabilities who qualify. After applicants are approved, their property tax payments are “frozen” at the current amount, and they will receive a rebate if taxes increase because of the school bond referendum or any other reason. A 2024 law increased the income eligibility limit for the program to $150,000. More information is available on the Senior Freeze webpage or by calling (800) 882-6597.   

• Other current programs are the NJ $250 Senior Citizen Property Tax Deduction and the Affordable New Jersey Communities for Homeowners and Renters (ANCHOR). 

A full listing of all projects included in each question and what’s planned for each school is available on the Proposed Improvements page.  

The proposed projects across the district include: 

• Add a secure entry vestibule at every school for another layer of security 

• Install additional surveillance cameras at various access points throughout the facilities to better monitor building safety 

• Replace fire alarm systems that are difficult to find parts for and expensive to repair 

• Replace exterior and interior doors with security hardware to enhance security 

• Install permanent walls and doors with security hardware at classrooms in the Errickson and Applegate School pods for improved privacy and security 

• Replace exterior stairs at the ECLC 

• Upgrade the existing heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems to improve air quality, reduce the risk for unexpected repairs, health issues, and enhance energy efficiency and comfort of staff members and students

  • Replacement parts for classroom HVAC units are no longer manufactured, so they are nearly impossible to find

• Upgrade electrical equipment, where needed, to support infrastructure updates 

• Upgrade aging roofing systems, which would resolve leaks and boost energy efficiency

• Replace outdated windows at ECLC to increase energy efficiency 

• Reconfigure the front office areas at schools to accommodate nurse’s suites with accessible restrooms and private exam rooms to meet current code requirements

Freehold Township’s Board of Education is committed to maintaining the district’s schools so they can continue to serve our students now and into the future. The updates in the proposal are needed whether the referendum passes or not. This proposal has been carefully planned to maximize the eligibility of state aid and prioritizes the district’s most critical needs.  

If the referendum does not pass:  

• The district will not receive approximately $45 million in debt service aid from the state, which is only available with voter approval. 

• Security vestibules and equipment replacement will have to wait. 

• The district will continue to face higher energy costs associated with aging HVAC equipment. Additionally, this outdated system poses risks for expensive repairs and potential environmental concerns. There is also the possibility that the system could fail to provide adequate heating due to a lack of available parts, leading to increased operational challenges and potential disruptions. 

• The district would have to find a way to incorporate some of the projects into the annual budget. This budget is funded through local taxes, and the district would be responsible for covering 100% of the costs, potentially putting a strain on other essential services and programs. 

• The district would need to spread the necessary repairs over time. This could result in delays of several years, potentially increasing the overall cost due to further deterioration.   

• Funds would have to come from the annual budget to make safety improvements and facilities updates, which could divert funding away from student programming.

If voters approve the referendum on March 11, the district can enter the next phase of selling bonds, finalizing design plans, and seeking competitive construction bids. Work could begin as soon as the summer of 2026. Work will be scheduled in coordination with the district to keep the level of disruption to a minimum. Construction is projected to span three years.  

The district’s current HVAC systems are outdated and inefficient. Many of the systems are at or beyond their expected lifespans. These aging systems are at risk for costly emergency repairs and temporary patches to keep things running. At Errickson, the heat is no longer working, so a contingency plan was immediately put in place to avoid disruption. This plan included hoisting heating units onto the roof of the school, paying to rent the units, and running electricity to power the units.  

The district is proposing upgrades to the HVAC systems to improve air quality, reliability and energy efficiency – all of which would create a better learning and teaching environment.   

Updated temperature controls would allow the temperature at every school to be monitored and controlled remotely to maximize comfort and efficiency. The district would be able to control temperatures based on whether a space is occupied, which could reduce the district’s energy bills. The enhanced monitoring capability would allow facilities personnel to spot the warning signs of a system failure before it occurs and take preventative measures to reduce potential disruptions to the school day and reduce environmental risks. 

Boilers generate heat, while Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) systems draw air in fresh air and circulate it through the buildings. New energy-efficient HVAC systems would better distribute the heat generated by the boilers. Unit ventilators bring fresh air into classrooms and heat or cool it as necessary. In addition, these units provide dehumidification, reducing the environmental risks. The proposal calls for replacing inefficient classroom unit ventilators and boilers in every school. 

The district has previously utilized a state grant program to replace as much qualified HVAC equipment as allowed by the grant criteria.  

Just like schools across the country, Freehold Township regularly evaluates how to best protect students and staff. The proposal includes improving entryway security by adding a vestibule, additional cameras as well as upgrading fire alarm systems and interior and exterior doors at every school across the district.   

Adding a security vestibule to schools that don’t currently have one will strengthen building safety by creating an enclosed area behind locked doors where guests can drop off items or present credentials before entering the school and all visitors can be screened prior to letting them into the school. Upgrading fire alarm systems across the district would bring the systems up to current code, provide consistency for service, maintenance and finding replacement parts when needed, which could bring the district savings of both time and costs – in addition to peace of mind. 

Anyone registered to vote with a Freehold Township address can participate in the March 11 bond referendum. If your name or address recently changed, please check whether your registration is still valid. Check your registration here.

If it is not valid, you have until Feb. 18 to register. Online voter registration forms are available here, and printed forms for mailing are available in English and Spanish. 

Polls will be open on Tuesday, March 11 from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. Visit your usual polling location (same used for General Election) to cast your ballot! (List of polling locations by district.) To confirm your polling location, check this website or call the Monmouth County Board of Elections weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at (732) 431-7802 x7150. 

Vote By Mail is an option in this referendum. If you have already requested a ballot to be mailed to you and your address is unchanged, Monmouth County election officials will send you a Vote By Mail ballot several weeks before March 11.  

If you want to Vote By Mail but are not yet signed up, you can submit an application in English or Spanish. Additional information from the county is available here or by contacting the Clerk of Elections Office at 732-431-7790.

When you receive your Vote By Mail ballot, fill it out and mail it with a postmark date of March 11. It cannot be brought to a polling place. Or you can deliver it in person to the County Clerk’s Office by 8 p.m. on that day. 

If you show up to your polling place on March 11 and are told your ballot was mailed to you, or that you are not able to vote, ask for a provisional ballot. This ensures your ballot will be counted once all mailed ballots are double-checked and processed.

Voters will be asked for permission to borrow the full amount of the project costs: $135,468,916. Even though state aid will reduce that amount, the school district would be named as the debt holder, so voter approval is needed for the full amount. 

The ballot question includes the total project costs and the explanation that state aid will cover 40 percent of the “final eligible costs of the projects.” The state has historically awarded a lower amount and that is what the district’s financial advisers used to determine the estimated tax impact. In Freehold Township's case, it is approximately $45 million.

FREEHOLD TOWNSHIP BOARD OF EDUCATION BOND PROPOSAL QUESTION 

The Board of Education of the Township of Freehold in the County of Monmouth, New Jersey (the “Board”) is authorized to (a) undertake various improvements, alterations, and upgrades at C. Richard Applegate Elementary School and at Marshall W. Errickson Elementary School, including but not limited to security vestibule additions, roofing, HVAC upgrades, various renovations, security upgrades and renovations to the PODs, and the acquisition and installation of fixtures, furniture, equipment, and at any site work; (b) undertake various improvements, alterations, and upgrades at Joseph J. Catena Elementary School and at the Early Childhood Learning Center, including but not limited to security vestibule additions, roofing, HVAC upgrades, various renovations, and the acquisition and installation of fire alarm systems, CCTV cameras, door and security upgrades, including acquisition and installation of fixtures, furniture, equipment, and any site work; (c) undertake various improvements, alterations, and upgrades at Clifton T. Barkalow Middle School and at Dwight D. Eisenhower Middle School, including but not limited to security vestibule alterations, roofing, HVAC upgrades, various renovations, and the acquisition and installation of fire alarm systems, CCTV cameras, door and security upgrades, including acquisition and installation of fixtures, furniture, equipment, and any site work; (d) undertake various improvements, alterations, and upgrades at Laura Donovan Elementary School and at West Freehold Elementary School, including but not limited to security vestibule alterations, HVAC upgrades, various renovations, and the acquisition and installation of fixtures, furniture, equipment, and any site work; (e) appropriate $135,468,916 for such improvements; and (f) issue bonds in an amount not to exceed $135,468,916. 

The final eligible costs for the projects approved by the New Jersey Commissioner of Education are $133,348,615 (consisting of $21,395,742 for C. Richard Applegate Elementary School, $14,499,968 for Joseph J. Catena Elementary School, $10,460,723 for Laura Donovan Elementary School, $22,707,495 for Marshall W. Errickson Elementary School, $11,897,190 for West Freehold Elementary School, $18,306,624 for Clifton T. Barkalow Middle School, $22,222,795 for Dwight D. Eisenhower Middle School, and 11,858,078 for the Early Childhood Learning Center). The projects include $497,354 (consisting of $157,300 for C. Richard Applegate Elementary School, $77,649 for Joseph J Catena Elementary School, $0 for Laura Donovan Elementary School, $157,300 for Marshall W. Errickson Elementary School, $0 for West Freehold Elementary School, $0 for Clifton T. Barkalow Middle School $0 for Dwight D. Eisenhower Middle School, and $105,105 for the Early Childhood Learning Center) 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.