A bond referendum is a community vote that gives the school district permission to borrow money through the sale of bonds. It’s similar to how a homeowner might take out a home equity loan for a major renovation. Voter approval allows the district to finance large-scale projects, with the help of state aid to offset the eligible project costs. 

Some of the district’s existing debt is nearly paid off. By timing this referendum when debt from a previous referendum is about to end, the district can reinvest in facilities without increasing the tax rate. The estimated tax impact for the proposed referendum would pick up where the payments from the previous referendum leave off. 

The district’s operating budget covers salaries and benefits, supplies, utilities, and day-to-day expenses. It cannot absorb the cost of large-scale renovations and upgrades to multiple buildings. A bond referendum is a way to spread payments for these projects over time and complete them more efficiently with the help of upfront funding and state aid. 

Bond funding offers advantages that the annual budget does not.   

• The district would qualify for a specific type of state aid – which for Somers Point is $1.9 million – through bond funding. That state aid is only available to a district when the community approves a referendum   

• Every NJ taxpayer contributes toward school improvements funded through bond referenda. Only districts that have a voter-approved bond referendum can get a share of those funds to invest in their schools.

The district’s current payments from a previous referendum are ending in July 2026. The board selected priority projects to fit within the expiring debt to keep the tax rate steady. It’s like finishing payments on a car loan and purchasing a new vehicle with the same payment amount. 

With voter approval, the district would qualify for a specific type of state aid – which for Somers Point is $1.9 million – that would help offset the eligible project costs.

When school districts use voter-approved bonds, New Jersey provides debt service aid (state aid). This state contribution reduces the local share, allowing taxpayers to benefit from funds they already send to the state. In Somers Point’s case, the state would pay $1.9 million toward the eligible project costs, with voter approval. 

If voters reject the referendum, the district will finish paying the current debt and the owner of a home assessed at the Somers Point average ($212,418) would see a tax decrease of about $11.50 per month. However, any decrease is likely to be temporary, as the district would still need to pay for the proposed repairs and updates without the help of state aid that comes with an approved bond referendum. 

The State of New Jersey has programs that provide property tax relief for senior citizens or people with disabilities.   

A new one called Stay NJ reimburses up to half the property tax bill of eligible applicants. For 2024 tax filings, the benefit is capped at $6,500. The applicant's income cannot exceed $500,000.  

Another program known as the "Senior Freeze" holds property taxes at the rate that existed when the applicant became eligible for that program. Its income limit was raised to $168,268 for 2024 tax filings. Other current programs are the NJ $250 Senior Citizen Property Tax Deduction and the Affordable New Jersey Communities for Homeowners and Renters (ANCHOR).   

As of 2025, these programs share a single application process. Learn more about these programs on the state’s website or by calling 800-882-6597. 

The district has strong security procedures already in place, but upgraded technology would increase and strengthen what is currently in practice. Security would be enhanced at both schools by upgrading fire alarm systems and adding key card access to interior doors. Selected glass panels in Jordan Road’s main entrance would receive a security coating. Jordan Road’s emergency generator infrastructure and panels would be upgraded to accommodate system updates and selected bathrooms would be renovated to increase accessibility. 

Also at Jordan Road, a new parking lot would be added to reduce traffic congestion during peak periods and exterior security fencing would be added to complete the perimeter near the playground. Additionally, worn or damaged windows, walkways and ramps would be replaced. Dawes Avenue’s playground railings would be renovated, and fencing would be added to increase safety and security. 

The asbestos-containing flooring and wall tiles at Jordan Road would be removed, in compliance with state requirements. Although encapsulated, these tiles must be removed. 

Learn about all the projects on the ballot here. 

Projects that would enhance efficiency and update the buildings include: 

• HVAC upgrades at both Jordan Road and Dawes Avenue to improve classroom humidity, temperature control and energy efficiency 

• Jordan Road’s roof would be recoated to protect the building from the elements and extend the roof’s lifespan 

• A non-working freezer and refrigerator at Jordan Road would be removed 

• At Dawes Avenue, exterior repairs would reduce the risk for leaks during heavy rains, and the parking lot drainage would be improved to reduce flooding 

• The Dawes Avenue loading dock would be renovated for better efficiency of operations 

• Interior carpeting at Dawes Avenue would be replaced 

• Selected piping at Jordan Road would be repaired

The district receives a state grant to cover the operating costs, including staffing, of running the preschool program.  

To continue receiving the grant, we need to provide facilities that meet the state’s requirements – which include an in-classroom bathroom for each preschool classroom. The grant does not cover the costs of adding the bathrooms. 

A voter-approved referendum would fund the Jordan Road classroom renovations so we can meet the requirements to continue receiving the preschool grant. If we do not meet the requirements, we risk losing the funding and our free, full-day preschool program.  

Creating a dedicated space for preschool at Jordan Road would free up space at Dawes Avenue that is needed for other grade levels. The Jordan Road annex location allows the preschool program to be self-contained. 

Learn about all the projects on the ballot here. 

Any asbestos-containing materials, such as wall or flooring tiles, would be removed by licensed abatement contractors following all state requirements. These areas of asbestos are encapsulated, but the asbestos-containing materials need to be removed. 

The referendum is scheduled for Nov. 4, 2025, and will appear on the General Election ballot. Polls will be open from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. at your usual polling location.  

Check your polling location here.

Yes, the State of New Jersey offers early voting for the General Election, and several Atlantic County locations will be available for early voting from Oct. 25-Nov. 2 (10 a.m.-8 p.m. Mondays-Saturdays, and from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. on Sundays).  

Selected Early Voting Centers are open for early voting. Check the locations on the county website here. 

• First, check your voter registration: Make sure your information is up to date with your current name and address. The deadline to register or update your registration is Oct. 14. 

• Vote by mail: Registered voters can request a mail-in ballot from the Atlantic County Clerk’s Office.  

• Return your mail-in ballot: Mail it back so it’s postmarked by Nov. 4 or use an official drop box if available. Vote By Mail ballots will not be accepted at in-person polling locations. 

• Vote in person: Polls are open 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Nov. 4 at the usual voting locations. 

• Vote early: Early voting is available from Oct. 25 through Nov. 2 at specific times and locations. Check times and locations here.

If there’s a problem at the polls: If you are told you cannot vote, ask for a provisional ballot. That step ensures your vote will be counted once your eligibility can be confirmed.