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When voters approve a school bond referendum, the State of New Jersey covers a portion of the project costs, reducing taxpayers’ share of the expense. It’s like giving a consumer a major discount on home improvements.
When voters approve a school bond referendum, the State of New Jersey covers a portion of the project costs, reducing taxpayers’ share of the expense. It’s like giving a consumer a major discount on home improvements.
Districts that pass a referendum receive upfront funding to complete large-scale improvements within a few years. The state has approved $9.2 million in state aid for Roselle Public Schools if the referendum passes.
Districts that pass a referendum receive upfront funding to complete large-scale improvements within a few years. The state has approved $9.2 million in state aid for Roselle Public Schools if the referendum passes.
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*: $3.75 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
Want to estimate your tax impact?
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 $60 per month is based on a home assessed at the borough average of $122,763
Find the assessed value of your property here.
Seniors can apply for property tax relief
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
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).
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.
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.
BOND VS. BUDGET
BOND VS. BUDGET
BOND REFERENDUM
BOND REFERENDUM
State aid is available with voter approval
Costs are spread over time
Upfront funding to complete projects
BUDGET
BUDGET
Must be used for everyday costs, such as salaries, utilities and transportation
Capped at 2% annual increase
No access to the state aid that comes with bond borrowing
How RPS has stretched a dollar
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.
Funding $12.1 million in HVAC upgrades, roof replacements and updated windows through the capital reserve (district savings) and 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
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