Questions from the Community

Some of the projects can’t wait -- they must be done whether or not voters approve the bond proposal. Approval gives the district the added benefit of using state aid to help cover a portion of the project costs. The district’s operating budget does not have enough wiggle room to cover the bare necessities plus those improvements at the pace that our high-achieving district will need them, especially considering the recent state funding cuts.  

Here’s what to expect if voters don’t approve the referendum:  

• No $36.7 million in state aid toward these projects; taxpayers pay in full  

• Projects would be done in stages, with total project costs coming from the annual budget when funds are available  

• Piecemeal repairs which could cause higher costs in the long run  

• Funds could be diverted away from educational programs and/or staffing to support critical facility needs  

• Address basement flooding, HVAC repairs, and maintenance issues at the Main Street building with operating budget funds 

• Aging HVAC systems and leaky roofing remain

By doing these projects as part of a bond referendum, the district qualifies for a type of state aid that it would not receive otherwise. That state aid is collected from taxpayers statewide and earmarked to be distributed to schools that receive approval through a bond referendum. In MERS case, the state has committed to providing $36.7 million to offset the local share. 

The only way to access the $36.7 million that has been approved by the commissioner of education is through voter approval of a bond referendum. 

The projects that were not included in the referendum varied across many types of work. 

For example, the HVAC and roofing projects were selective, rather than all inclusive. There are a number of components of each that our architects believe will last many more years, although they are not necessarily new. 

Many roofs have only portions being completed, while other roofs would have the entire roof replaced. 

The same could be said for the HVAC systems. The architects focused on classroom air conditioning, but many other larger rooftop units at each school were included in the referendum, however not all units would be replaced. As the district has been able to replace some units, those have been left out of the referendum. 

The same could be said for paving, classroom cabinets, and various building components.  

The architects focused on classroom air conditioning, as well as the larger gathering spaces like the library, cafeteria and gymnasiums. The architects would remove all of the window units in the classrooms and replace the existing unit ventilators in the classrooms with newer units that provide both heating and cooling. 

There will still be some other areas of each building that will not have air conditioning, but it is fair to say that MOST of the areas of each school will have air conditioning if voters approve the referendum. The district attempted to prioritize the air conditioning at each facility, while knowing that there may be a few areas that will not receive it. 

When bonds are sold, they are sold to investors through a competitive sale and large investment banks are the bidders. For a taxpayer to purchase some of the bonds they would have to go through a brokerage firm and request them. It is possible for taxpayers to get the bonds, but not directly through the school district. The District sells the whole amount competitively with assistance from the Bond Counsel and Financial Advisor.

The total estimated project cost is $115.4 million, which would be offset by $36.7 million in state funding if voters approve. 

Most of the costs would be directed toward HVAC and roofing replacements, followed by safety and security. Below are the estimated project cost breakdowns by category: 

• HVAC – 37% 

• Roofing – 24% 

• Safety and Security (ADA upgrades, fire alarm and PA systems, emergency generators) – 13% 

• Interior Renovations (cabinets and electrical work) – 10% 

• Exterior Renovations (paving, sidewalks, windows) – 9%

• Addition at MEMS - 7%

The district took a major hit when the state implemented new legislation called S2. The school funding formula was revised, and our district lost a cumulative total of $50 million since the 2018-2019 school year. The district was forced to rethink our approach to funding, while maintaining the level of education that our students and community are accustomed to, after this tremendous hit.

So, we took the following actions:

• Joined other districts in a lawsuit to advocate for a fairer funding formula 

• Looked at other revenue sources like grants and federal funds - and have taken advantage of every opportunity for these options. We will continue to seek other funding sources apply for them as they become available 

  1. 1. Examples of funding include Stabilization Aid, Emergent and Capital Maintenance Needs Grants, Local Recreation Improvement Grants, Energy Savings Improvement Program (ESIP), and USAC Category 2 Funding to accomplish limited-scope projects that don't qualify for inclusion in the proposed referendum.  The District applied to the New Jersey Department of Education for funding under its ROD Grant program but was not selected.  Limited resources in the Capital Reserve Fund limit the District's ability to participate in some programs due to fund matching requirements.

• Eliminated central office and administrative positions 

• Kept spending below the state average in multiple categories, including per pupil cost, total administration cost per pupil, and administration salaries and benefits per pupil 

• Changed hiring terms and negotiated cheaper insurance plans with our unions 

• Put buildings and grounds projects and preventative facilities care on the back burner to keep the budget squarely focused on education. 

A full listing of projects can be found here. Please refer to the list below: 

Clark Mills School 

• Replace fire alarm and public address systems  

• Install new interior doors and hardware  

• Improve ADA accessibility   

• Upgrade HVAC system  

• Install new roofing  

• Replace aging windows  

• Refresh parking lot paving  

• Update storage cabinetry in classrooms  

• Install an emergency generator  

• Update electrical service 

John I. Dawes Early Learning Center 

• Replace fire alarm and public address systems  

• Install new interior doors and hardware  

• Upgrade HVAC system  

• Install an emergency generator   

• Update electrical service 

 
Lafayette Mills School 

• Replace fire alarm and public address systems  

• Install new interior doors and hardware  

• Improve ADA accessibility  

• Upgrade HVAC system  

• Install new roofing  

• Replace aging windows  

• Replace parking lot paving  

• Update storage cabinetry in classrooms  

• Install an emergency generator  

• Update electrical service  

• Upgrade lighting equipment and controls 

Manalapan-Englishtown Middle School 

• Replace fire alarm and public address systems  

• Install new interior doors and hardware  

• Improve ADA accessibility  

• Upgrade HVAC system  

• Install new roofing  

• Update aging windows  

• Install a new emergency generator  

• Upgrade lighting equipment and controls  

• Replace parking lot paving  

• Refresh concrete sidewalk  

• Add a small addition to the rear of the building to accommodate the Board of Education offices so maintaining a separate building on Main Street is no longer necessary 

Milford Brook School 

• Replace fire alarm and public address systems  

• Install new interior doors and hardware  

• Upgrade HVAC system   

• Improve ADA accessibility in restrooms  

• Install new roofing  

• Refresh parking lot paving  

• Update storage cabinetry in classrooms  

• Install an emergency generator  

• Update electrical service 

Pine Brook School 

• Replace fire alarm and public address systems  

• Install new interior doors and hardware  

• Improve ADA accessibility in restrooms  

• Upgrade HVAC system and boiler  

• Install new roofing  

• Update aging windows  

• Replace parking lot paving  

• Refresh concrete sidewalk  

• Update storage cabinetry in classrooms  

• Install a new emergency generator  

• Update lighting equipment and controls 

Taylor Mills School 

• Replace fire alarm and public address systems  

• Install new interior doors and hardware  

• Upgrade HVAC system   

• Improve ADA accessibility in restrooms  

• Install new roofing  

• Replace aging windows  

• Refresh parking lot paving  

• Install an emergency generator  

• Update electrical service 

Wemrock Brook School 

• Replace fire alarm and public address systems  

• Install new interior doors and hardware  

• Improve ADA accessibility  

• Upgrade HVAC system  

• Install new roofing  

• Update aging windows  

• Replace parking lot paving  

• Install an emergency generator  

• Upgrade lighting equipment controls 

The district can’t spend more than the amount approved by voters in the bond referendum. That’s why the district worked with experts in the field to thoroughly research the projects and costs and include a contingency in the total. That cushion takes into account pricing changes that could occur if materials costs or interest rates rise. If actual costs exceed what voters approved, plans will have to be adjusted to fit the budget.  

According to law, the Board is not permitted to spend one cent more on the projects (no matter the source of funds) without obtaining additional voter approval. With the help of financial consultants and architects who specialize in school projects, MERS has thoroughly researched the proposed projects, estimated their associated costs, and included a contingency amount in the estimated total. If actual costs exceed what voters approved, the projects will have to be adjusted to fit within the budget.

If your home’s assessment is different from the Manalapan average ($610,224) or the Englishtown average ($467,131), you can estimate your tax impact with a calculator. Please note that the estimated tax impact is an average over the 20-year term of the investment.   

To calculate your estimated tax impact:  

• First, find your home's assessed value by entering your street address into this lookup tool.    

• Then, personalize your estimated tax impact by multiplying by the tax impact per $100 of assessed property value:  

• Manalapan – multiply your home’s value by 0.00060 to find the estimated annual increase to school debt tax. Divide that number by 12 for the monthly impact.  

• Englishtown – multiply your home’s value by 0.00058 to find the estimated annual increase to school debt tax. Divide that number by 12 for the monthly impact. 

If the referendum is approved, the investment would not appear on tax bills until 2026. Starting in 2030, taxpayers will see a drop in taxes because old debt will be paid off. This drop in taxes will occur whether the referendum passes or not. 

The bond referendum is the only way the school can generate the funding needed to make major facilities updates that would continue to serve future generations of our community. Schools with an excellent reputation, like Manalapan-Englishtown, 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. 

Your tax dollars, as well as every other taxpayer in New Jersey, contribute to a funding source that the state puts toward 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. 

About 20 years ago, voters approved a referendum to improve the schools. Not all voters had students in the schools, but they voted for improvements that would protect and invest in the schools so they could continue serving the community well into the future. The cost of that referendum is shared across every resident, and when they move away, that cost is passed on to the next resident who lives in that home and benefits from the quality schools.   

Anyone registered to vote with a Manalapan or Englishtown address can participate in the November 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 Oct. 15 to register. Online voter registration forms are available here, and printed forms for mailing are available in English and Spanish. 

You can vote in person or via mail-in ballot in this election. In-person polls will be open 11/5 from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. Check your polling location here. Early in-person voting is also an option between 10/26 and 11/3. Designated in-person early voting hours and locations are listed on this website. 

IMPORTANT NOTE - If you are voting by mail, the Bond Proposal Question (school vote for Manalapan-Englishtown Regional School District) appears on side 2 of the mail-in ballot.

According to the NJ Voter Information Portal, a voter must meet  New Jersey registration requirements.

To register in New Jersey, you must be:

• A United States citizen

• At least 17 years old, though you may not vote until you have reached the age of 18

• A resident of the county for 30 days before the election

• A person not serving a sentence of incarceration as the result of a conviction of any indictable offense under the laws of this or another state or of the United States.

The registrant must complete a Voter Registration Application and/or Party Affiliation Form. Mail or deliver the Voter Registration Application and/or Party Affiliation Form to the County Commissioner of Registration or Superintendent of Elections for your county.

The referendum will appear on the General Election ballot. On Nov. 5, voters can cast their ballot in person or via mail-in ballot. By including the referendum on the General Election ballot, the district saves the cost of holding a special election. 

IMPORTANT NOTE - If you are voting by mail, the Bond Proposal Question (school vote for Manalapan-Englishtown Regional School District) appears on side 2 of the mail-in ballot.

The current Main Street building, built in 1909, needs many upgrades to meet current standards for accessibility and code. Architects estimated the updates needed would cost approximately $3 million, which is more than the building would be worth if it was sold in today’s market. Even if the building was renovated, it is still 100 years old and has the maintenance requirements that come along with a building of that age.  

A more financially responsible option would be to sell the property and build an addition at MEMS, which would keep district administration on the school’s campus. Moving these offices to MEMS would save the added costs of maintaining the Main Street building and grounds. 

The State of New Jersey has two 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.    

A second plan recently established is called the Stay NJ property tax credit program, which will go into effect on Jan. 1, 2026. More information can be found on the Stay NJ webpage. Questions about the program can be submitted online through a form on the website.