FINANCIAL DETAILS

Behind the numbers

$87 Million in Improvements | $9.2 Million in State Aid

QUESTION  1
A New School for PreK-2 on Chandler Avenue

• Project Costs: $79.7 Million

• State Aid: $5 Million

• Tax Impact*: $60 per month

• Bond Borrowing Term: 30 years

QUESTION 2
Other Districtwide Improvements

• Project Costs: $7.4 Million

• State Aid: $4.2 Million

• Tax Impact*: $4 per month

• Bond Borrowing Term: 20 years

*Tax impact based on home assessed the the borough average of $122,763

Question 2 can only pass if Question 1 is also approved

 WHAT IMPROVEMENTS WOULD BE FUNDED?  SEE THE PROJECTS PAGE 

 Want to estimate your tax impact? 

Remember, it is based on assessed value, not market value  

• Assessed value is the amount that appears on your tax bills and is typically lower than market value.  

• Market value is the potential sale price of your home.
  
  

The estimated tax impact of  $64 per month for both questions is based on a home assessed at the borough average of $122,763.

 STEP 1 

Find the assessed value of your property here. 

 STEP 2 

Enter your assessed value into the calculators below to determine your estimated tax impact for Question 1 and Question 2.

 Seniors can apply for property tax relief  

New Jersey seniors can apply for three property tax relief programs – ANCHOR, Senior Tax Freeze and Stay NJ -- by filling out a single form. Eligibility criteria for 2026 vary for each program. 

Fill out the application HERE.  

For more information or questions about filling out the form, call the Property Tax Relief Customer Service Center at 1-888-238-1233.

 Funding facts about new construction 

The state uses a formula to determine aid eligibility for proposed projects.  

The aid available for new construction is significantly less than the aid for renovations. Funding for new construction is based on the number of “unhoused” students (the number of students beyond building capacity) and calculated at a rate that has not changed for at least 15 years and therefore does not accurately represent current construction costs.

RPS does not have an existing early education building to renovate, but would still benefit from state aid through the referendum. 

Other motivating factors include: 

• The district would own a building as a long-term community investment instead of continuing to rent space for PreK students at First Light Academy and kindergarten students at the Kindergarten Success Academy. 

• Renting is a costly stopgap measure that does not meet the district’s needs. Current rental space is not designed for early education and many families remain on a waiting list for PreK. 

• Rental costs of at least $554,000 per year would be returned to the budget if the district constructs a building. 

• If we wait, construction costs will continue to rise. 

 How RPS has stretched a dollar 

The Roselle Board of Education and district leaders balance students’ needs with their responsibility to taxpayers. A bond referendum continues a history of sound fiscal management that includes:  

• Passing the 2026-27 annual budget with a zero tax increase, and staying within the 2 percent tax levy cap for the last six years, contrary to the trend of many other NJ school districts.

• Funding $12.1 million in HVAC upgrades at the high school, the junior high school and elementary schools; roof replacements across multiple buildings; and updated windows. These projects were funded through capital reserve and SDA (Schools Development Authority) grants.   

• Converting existing spaces for in-demand uses such as an esports room, a podcast studio, media lab and fitness center; work was done by the district’s buildings and grounds crew 

• Renovating basketball courts at the three elementary schools at a cost of $119,000 through a combination of general funds and a Local Recreation Improvement Grant