Total Project Costs: $28,873,500 in improvements

State aid would cover up to 40% of the eligible costs, which for Lacey Township is estimated at approximately $11.5 million 

Good timing would allow Lacey Township to complete the projects with a NO TAX INCREASE. The district has timed the referendum to take place when a drop in debt service occurs. If approved by voters, the new investment will replace some, not all, of the previous district issued debt.

Lacey Township schools consistently seek means outside the annual budget to be responsible stewards of taxpayer funds (82% of the general fund budget comes from local taxes). For example, a grant was used to replace a large portion of the roofing at the high school, which also offset the costs to the district.  

The district consistently seeks cost-saving measures, such as: 

• Being among the lowest in the state for district administrative and per pupil costs 

• Keeping maintenance in house as much as possible to lower costs and continue providing jobs for members of our community 

• Participating in many available co-ops in the state 

• Sharing services with the township and other schools, including transportation 

• Participating in a rebate program for light fixture replacement and LED lighting conversion 

• Completing HVAC updates with incentives through Jersey Central Power and Light  

• Securing grants and funding opportunities such as: 

• State grant for school violence prevention 

• State grants for HVAC replacements and playground updates 

• State grant for partial roofing replacement at the high school 

• State and local grant for improving cybersecurity 

• State grant to increase tutoring, including personnel, to help bridge learning gaps created by the pandemic 

• NJEA sustainability grant to build an outdoor classroom and garden to help emphasize the value of healthy practices at Mill Pond Elementary School