MANALAPAN-ENGLISHTOWN REGIONAL BOND REFERENDUM
Vote Nov. 5
MANALAPAN-ENGLISHTOWN REGIONAL BOND REFERENDUM
Vote Nov. 5
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Unofficial results indicate that voters have PASSED the referendum!
Vote Nov. 5
Official Referendum Results
Official Referendum Results
Official results from Monmouth County indicate the Manalapan-Englishtown Regional School District bond referendum has been approved by the voters. 12,854 voters approved the bond referendum and 8,402 opposed it.
The Board of Education thanks Manalapan and Englishtown residents for voting and looks forward to taking the next steps toward the future of our schools and community.
Click on these links to read more about:
Proposed Improvements | Funding Details
FAQs | Voter Info
Watch a recording of the Bond Referendum Community Information Forum
Watch a recording of the Bond Referendum Community Information Forum
Attendees heard from district representatives, the financial advisor, the bond counsel, and the architects who helped develop the plan to meet Manalapan-Englishtown Regional School District’s needs.
To watch a specific portion of the presentation, please use the timestamps below to find that segment:
About the District (introduction) - 3:00
History of Funding & Fiscal Responsibility - 3:40
Bond Referendum Overview - 7:28
Funding Details - 10:30
Proposed Improvements & Project Breakdown - 19:10
Watch a video overview:
Watch a video overview:
<<< Learn about the Nov. 5 bond referendum to generate upfront funding for projects that would improve Manalapan-Englishtown Regional School District’s facilities. More details are available at mersnj.us/vote
Continuing a Tradition of Excellence
Continuing a Tradition of Excellence
As an award-winning school district with a tradition of academic excellence and community involvement, Manalapan-Englishtown School District (MERS) strives to educate students in safe, secure, and comfortable learning environments. Students can focus on learning when these core needs are met.
>>> After significant state funding cuts, the district has moved from proactive, to more costly reactive maintenance to keep district spending focused on student programming.
State Aid Offsets the Local Share
State Aid Offsets the Local Share
We diligently plan and maintain our buildings, but all MERS facilities need long-lasting updates to continue the district’s tradition of supporting high-achieving students in safe, healthy learning environments. The Board is proposing a bond referendum to fund these large-scale projects.
A bond referendum is a vote that asks permission to borrow money through the sale of bonds. The bonds would generate upfront funds to address needs more quickly than relying on the district’s annual operating budget and without relying solely on the local tax base.
>>> Completing projects with the help of state aid allows the district to move away from a repair-as-we-go approach to return to a more sustainable, proactive strategy.
A bond referendum is a responsible financial strategy to complete building upgrades because it spreads the costs over time and unlocks millions of dollars in state aid toward project costs. Taxpayers across New Jersey pay into this funding source, but only districts with approved referenda can bring that money back to invest in their local schools. The referendum gives the community a voice, and the state aid is only available with voter approval.
Improving Facilities, Supporting Success
Improving Facilities, Supporting Success
To be held during the General Election on November 5, the referendum proposes critical improvements to every school across the district, including:
Safety and Security
Safety and Security
Enhance safety by replacing outdated fire alarms and outdated public address systems that are difficult to find replacement parts for and expensive to repair.
Replace interior doors to increase security.
Accessibility
Accessibility
Increase Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) restroom accessibility for students, staff and community members in every building except the ELC, which is already updated.
Refresh parking lot paving and replace sidewalks with accessibility upgrades to improve access and safety for all students, staff and community members.
Cost Efficiency
Cost Efficiency
Upgrade the heating, ventilation, air conditioning (HVAC) systems to improve air quality, reduce the risk for unexpected repairs and enhance energy efficiency.
Install emergency generators to keep schools running when there’s a power outage.
Upgrade electrical equipment to support 21st-century infrastructure and improve energy efficiency.
Replace aging windows and roofing, which would resolve leaks and boost energy efficiency.
Build an addition at MEMS for administrative offices to replace the Main Street building, where extensive repair needs make that option more costly.
Timeline and Next Steps
May 2022: Began taking steps toward a bond referendum focused on essential district improvements, conducted comprehensive facilities study.
March 2024: Established a referendum proposal to address the district’s most pressing needs.
April 2024: Preliminary project plans submitted to New Jersey Department of Education for review and approval.
August 2024: Tax impact determined by district’s financial advisors.
Fall 2024: Community engagement continues with project and cost details.
November 5, 2024: Referendum will appear on the General Election ballot.
MERS is committed to keeping the community informed.
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