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Frequently Asked Questions

Bond Referendum Basics

What is a bond referendum?

A bond referendum is a vote in which a school district asks voters for permission to borrow funds through the sale of bonds. Revenue from property taxes buy back those bonds with interest; this is like a loan for a school district.

Only after an approved referendum can a district sell bonds to fund large-scale projects, such as building additions and upgrades, that are not achievable using the annual budget. That annual budget is used to fund day-to-day operations, such as salaries, supplies and regular maintenance.

Why is Stafford Township pursuing a referendum?

At Stafford Township School District, we are committed to Building a Better World, One Student at a Time. To accomplish this goal, the district must provide students with a high-quality educational environment where they feel secure and comfortable.

We maintain our district facilities, but infrastructure updates cannot be ignored, especially when they lead to costly, unexpected repairs.
Educating the community’s youngest learners within the district is a priority. Stafford Township School District needs more space to continue this valuable program for the growing preschool population.

Stafford Township administration and board members worked with professional consultants to identify and prioritize the most-needed updates across the district and the Board of Education determined a bond referendum was a responsible solution to fund the long-lasting facilities improvements the district needs to fulfill its mission.

A very important reason for pursuing a referendum is that voter approval would qualify the district for state aid. That special kind of funding only comes when a district borrows money through the sale of bonds.

How can I share information about the bond referendum with my neighbors and friends?

The Stafford Township Board of Education is committed to sharing accurate information about the bond referendum with the community leading up to the Sept. 17 vote. Members of the community are encouraged to visit this website frequently for updates and to attend the community information forum in August.

The district will share information through a town-wide mailing, video, information forum, printed materials, local media, and social media. For answers to specific questions, community members are welcome to email us at vote@staffordschools.org.

Proposed Projects

Why is an addition at Oxycocus needed to meet current and future enrollment?

The modular was originally brought in to create space at the Oxycocus building. The modular is nearing the end of its useful life and is in need of replacement. In addition, the modular does not have the space to house our current preschool population and requires continuous maintenance and repairs to systems like plumbing and electrical to keep it in working order. These factors mean keeping the modular is not a fiscally responsible long-term solution.

The proposed addition would equip Oxycocus to house all preschool classrooms under one roof and educate students ages 3 and 4, which would support the current and growing preschool enrollment. The addition would allow all preschoolers to be together and free up the spaces currently being used for preschool at the other schools.

Why can’t the Primary Learning Center accommodate all preschool students?

This building was initially constructed to house the district’s preschool, but it does not have the capacity anymore. To accommodate steady student population growth, the district needed to use this building to house other grade levels.

Even if the district were to continue using the modular, another addition would be needed to support the current and projected enrollment increases.

How would a preschool addition help the district maintain the state aid it receives toward this program?

Preschool attracts the most quickly growing population in the district and class sizes are limited to 15 students each.

Starting in the 2021-2022 school year, the state awards annual Preschool Expansion Aid to Stafford Township School District to provide students with tuition-free early education. The state program pays for the operating costs, including staffing, but not the new space needed to accommodate the preschool classrooms.

To get state funding for preschool operating costs, a school district must demonstrate that it can provide a “high-quality preschool program,” which is defined as a full-day program with a certificated teacher, an aide, and small classes – limited by the state to 15 students.

If those criteria cannot be met, the district would lose that state aid. Stafford Township’s current preschool program cannot accommodate more students without more classroom space – even though state funding would cover the operating costs.

How will HVAC upgrades benefit students and staff?

Current HVAC systems at Oxycocus, McKinley Avenue, Ocean Acres, and Ronald L. Meinders Primary Learning Center are outdated and inefficient. Systems in these buildings are over 20 years old. These older systems lead to classrooms having inconsistent temperatures during the hotter and colder months and they run the risk of needing emergency repairs.

The district proposes upgrades to the HVAC systems to improve air quality, heating, cooling, reliability, and energy efficiency – all of which would create a better learning environment for students and working environment for staff. It would allow students to focus on academics in comfortable spaces.

Centralized temperature controls would also allow the temperature in the school to be automatically monitored and controlled to maximize comfort and efficiency. The district would be able to control temperatures based on whether a space is occupied or not, which could reduce the district’s energy bills. Greater control gives the opportunity to spot the warning signs of a system failure before it occurs and take preventative measures to reduce potential disruptions to the school day.

How did a study show the district needs more space?

The district is doing its best to keep up with enrollment, but our buildings must adapt to accommodate continuing growth. An independent demographic study, which was done in June 2023, projected continuing enrollment increases for Stafford Township schools. The district has been managing increasing enrollment in the current buildings by sharing instructional spaces and spreading newly enrolled students among schools that have space. Now, our schools need additional space to maintain the high educational standards and small class sizes valued by the community, especially as new students arrive.

How would the updates planned for Stafford Arts Center benefit the entire community?

Stafford Arts Center is a hub for community activities and is often used for educational purposes, from hosting state-of-the-art school productions to educational speakers and presentations, as well as community events and emergency training for our local authorities.

The stage and house lighting, along with the audio-visual equipment in this space, are reaching the end of their useful lives and are ready to be replaced. Updating this equipment would ensure that the building can continue to serve the community and organizations in the surrounding area.

How would construction be planned for minimal disruption?

Students would be relocated to temporary modular buildings while the construction is underway. The proposed addition would be the first project completed and as the addition is built, students would be moved into that new building as needed, while the upgrades inside the other schools are completed in phases. All projects would be done in coordination with district administration to minimize the amount of disruption to the educational program.

Are the costs for furnishings and technology for the proposed addition included in the referendum?

The bond referendum would cover the costs related to building the addition, including the estimated costs for design, site preparation, construction, furniture, technology and other one-time costs. That includes the temporary modular units that would be needed to relocate students during construction. These costs are estimated with a contingency cushion to be sure that the work can be completed even if some pricing changes. The ballot acts like a promise to voters that with their approval, the work must be done within the amount stated.

How could preschool staffing be managed without a tax increase?

The new addition would create more classrooms to serve our community’s preschool population. The current preschool teachers would each have their own spaces in one centralized location, rather than using classrooms in other buildings across the district.

Any additional preschool classroom staff would be funded through the state's preschool aid.

What is the timeline for projects to be completed?

If voters approve the referendum, the design and planning would be finalized, bids for the projects would go out and be awarded, and work could begin in summer 2025. Payments on this investment would not begin until 2026 and projects are expected to be completed and ready to serve the community by 2027.

How are contracts made at the lowest costs?

According to state law, bond-funded contracts must be awarded through a public bidding process. That benefits taxpayers because contractors submit price bids and the district must choose the lowest qualified bidder.

Financial Information

How would bond funding complement the district’s plans for regular maintenance?

The regular operating budget comes mostly from local taxes. Stafford Township uses that budget to stretch the lifespan of something, like patching a leaky roof or repairing outdated HVAC equipment, until we can replace roofing or heating/cooling units with bond funding that comes from local taxes plus state aid.

The referendum is an example of planning ahead, rather than not planning and falling behind. We get by year to year while we look ahead to an opportunity to get funding from outside the local tax base. This financial strategy lessens the burden for taxpayers in our community, and they’re already paying into the funds that the state distributes to school districts. State aid is a compelling reason to put maintenance items on a bond referendum ballot.

Why does it make sense to borrow funds for maintenance projects?

Managing maintenance costs within the annual budget is difficult to do because the district can’t increase its budget more than 2% each year. The 2023-2024 school year marks the first time in five years that the district has been able to keep the budget under that state-mandated cap. This cap makes it tough to fund large projects.

State aid is another reason to borrow money for maintenance projects. State aid will cover $15.9 million of Stafford Township’s costs for certain projects if voters approve a bond referendum. If these projects were part of the annual operating budget and not a referendum, state aid would not be available.

How can Stafford Township unlock $15.9 million in state aid toward the construction?

Taxpayers from across New Jersey pay into the budget that contributes toward school facilities improvements. When voters approve a bond referendum, those tax dollars are brought back to invest in their community. This type of state aid is only available through a voter-approved referendum.

Districts in the surrounding counties have taken advantage of this type of funding to complete projects. For example, in 2022 voters approved a referendum for Monmouth Regional High School to upgrade its athletic facilities and in Shrewsbury Township, voters approved a referendum for the schools to make safety and security improvements, complete maintenance projects, and construct an addition on the school.

How much would residents pay toward this investment when payments begin in 2026?

If voters approve the referendum, residents could expect to see an estimated monthly increase of about $22 per month in school debt tax for a home assessed at the Stafford Township average of $294,141. This tax increase would begin in 2026.

Much like a homeowner would finance improvements through a home equity loan, the district would pay for projects by borrowing (through the sale of bonds) and spread the costs over the 25-year life of the loan. This cost is shared by all property owners in Stafford Township.

If my assessed home value is higher or lower than average, how can I estimate my property tax impact?

If your home’s assessment is different from the Stafford Township average, you can estimate your tax impact with a calculator. Please note that the estimated tax impact is an average over the 25-year term of the investment.

The tax impact per $100 of assessed property value is currently $0.0888. 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 annual tax impact by multiplying your property’s assessed value by 0.000888 to find the estimated annual increase to school debt tax. Divide that number by 12 to determine the estimated monthly increase.

What other funding sources has the district used for maintenance projects?

The district consistently seeks funding outside the local tax base and a bond referendum fits with this strategy. The upfront funding from a referendum would allow the district to more efficiently complete major improvements by tapping into state aid to offset project costs.

The district has completed several other projects with funding from sources outside the regular operating budget. Some projects have been funded through the district’s Capital Reserve. This is funding already collected through local property taxes that the Board of Education set aside in anticipation of these needs. Other projects are being completed through state grant programs.

Other examples of the district’s money-saving measures include shared service agreements with other school districts, the township, and other local organizations for things like transportation, special education services, banking, and facilities.

How is spending capped even if project costs are higher than expected?

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, Stafford Township 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.

What happens if the project costs are lower than expected?

The Board is only permitted to spend money on projects that are approved by voters. If the projects are completed and there are remaining bond proceeds, that money must be used to pay back the principal as soon as possible.

What is the difference between the assessed value and market value of a home?

A home’s assessed value, which is used to determine property taxes, is different than the home's market value. The market value of a home is typically a higher figure and is an estimate of how much a home could sell for in the current market. Inputting your address into this website will give you your home’s assessed value.

How does the plan protect against a rise in interest rates?

Stafford Township School District has consulted with financial advisors who have conservatively estimated the interest rates that would be available following an approved referendum. That strategy ensures a figure conservative enough to cover potential increases.

If rates turn out to be lower than estimates, the cost of borrowing would be slightly lower and, therefore, so would the tax impact. The district can only collect property taxes at the rate that is needed to make the bond payments.

What tax relief is available for senior citizens and people with disabilities?

The State of New Jersey has a current program for property tax relief and a new version in development.

Known as the "Senior Freeze," the current program 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 in development is called the Stay NJ Property Tax Credit Program. Its task force is charged with reviewing existing property tax relief programs and recommending a single, streamlined program for all senior citizen homeowners and renters who make less than $500,000 per year. The plan is due to the Legislature by May 30, 2024, with a program start date of Jan. 1, 2026. A senior making as much as $500,000 would benefit from a 50% reduction on the property tax bill of his or her primary residence.

Other current programs are the NJ $250 Senior Citizen Property Tax Deduction and the Affordable New Jersey Communities for Homeowners and Renters (ANCHOR).

Voting Information

What will the ballot say?

PLEASE NOTE: Voters will be asked for permission to borrow the full amount of $75,725,650. Even though state aid will reduce that amount, the school district would be named as the debt holder, so voter approval is needed for the full amount.

Much like a homeowner would finance improvements through a home equity loan, the district would pay for projects by borrowing (through the sale of bonds) and spread those costs over the 25-year life of the loan. The amount to be repaid is offset by the debt service aid (state aid) and shared by all property owners in Stafford Township.

Can I vote in the referendum?

Anyone registered to vote with a Stafford Township address can participate in the September 17 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 August 27 to register. Online voter registration forms are available here, and printed forms for mailing are available in English and Spanish.

Where can I vote in person?

Polls will be open on Tuesday, Sept. 17 from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Poll locations are determined by district.

Poll locations:

Can I vote by mail-in ballot?

You can vote by mail in this referendum. If you have already requested a ballot to be mailed to you, and if your address is the same, Ocean County may send you a Vote By Mail ballot automatically before the election. Look online for information about voting by mail.
If you have questions or require assistance, contact the Election Office at (800) 722-0291 ext. 2153 or (732) 929-2153.
To request a Vote By Mail ballot, download an application below. The county must receive that application by Sept. 10 to mail you a ballot, or by 3 p.m. on Sept. 16 to give you a ballot in person.
When you receive your Vote By Mail ballot, fill it out and either:

Mail it in with a postmark by Sept. 17, or
Deliver it in person to the County Clerk’s Office by 8 p.m. Sept. 17.

Track your ballot using the state’s voter portal. Setting up an account is free, and while this is an optional step, it is the only way to reliably monitor the status of your ballot online.

Mail-in ballots cannot be submitted at polling places.

Mail-in ballot dropbox locations:

What if I’m turned away at the polls?

If you show up to your polling station on voting day and are told your ballot was already mailed to you, ask for a provisional ballot. This means your ballot will be considered after all in-person and mailed ballots are double-checked and processed.

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