Email vote@tenafly.k12.nj.us with any additional questions and someone will get back to you. Alternatively, members of the Board of Education are always available to answer questions. Click here for their names and email addresses. 

Board members and members of our district administration will also continue to be present at community and district events. Finally, the board planned two community forums to present referendum plans and answer questions from residents: a virtual forum on August 5 was recorded and an in-person forum will take place on September 9.

We are anticipating the work to take 3-5 years to complete. If it passes, we would be ready on September 18 to start the bid process on the first round of projects. This cannot happen until and unless the referendum passes.

The referendum website will remain live with project updates posted periodically, and the district will send out periodic updates via email.

Any project that costs more than $44,000 must be appoved via board resolution. Any members of the public interested in paying close attention to referendum project spending can do so by viewing the Board of Education's monthly meeting agendas.

The NJ Department of Education has reviewed and approved the district’s bond proposal for projects estimated to cost $76,097,000. State aid would contribute approximately $16.5 million if the question passes, making the local Tenafly tax share approximately $59.5 million. 

The district has estimates for each project, but overall costs are fluid. Projects are partially-developed at this stage, and therefore the costs represent only a very rough estimate of what the actual costs will be. This information is not released pre-referendum because it is incomplete and if released, it would give potential bidders on projects a framework for what price the district expected, even if the project estimate changes once the project is fully developed. This would put the district at a financial disadvantage.

The goal is to deliver the projects within the overall budget, accounting for unforeseen costs, inflation, and other cost drivers during the construction period. These figures also include not just the work on the projects, but professional and permit fees. By law, the district cannot spend any more than the amount shown on the ballot for these projects. 

For a cost breakdown by site, please refer to the Funding webpage.

Districts can only capture a special type of state aid through bond-funded capital improvements. All referendum plans go through a rigorous state review process to determine which projects are eligible for state aid. The state aid total is then calculated based on project cost estimates. 

Taxpayers across the state pay into the revenue for these school improvements when they pay property, income, and other taxes to the state, but only benefit if their community passes a referendum. If voters approve the bond referendum, the district will receive $16.5 million in state aid toward the total project costs of $76 million (or ~21.8%), resulting in a local tax impact of $59.5 million.

While the state program technically awards aid equal to 40% of eligible costs (as reflected in the ballot language, see that question below), in practice lawmakers reduced that figure to 34% of eligible costs in 2011. The district's projections all utilize the 34% state aid figure in order to present a conservative estimate to taxpayers.

• 1. Building renovation necessary for compliance with the Uniform Construction Code, health and safety, and/or educational adequacy as determined by facilities efficiency standards. The district is entitled to state aid on the estimated actual costs of the renovation project.

  2. New construction to accommodate increased enrollment. The law provides a cost allowance of $138 per square foot. This figure covers construction and "soft costs," such as site acquisition and site development; services of design professionals, including architects, engineers and construction managers; legal fees; and the costs associated with financing the project.

  3. Building space necessary to comply with state or federal law concerning students with disabilities.

  4. Additional spaces the commissioner of education determines are necessary to meet the educational needs of the district.

If the question passes, the owner of a home assessed at the 2024 Tenafly average of $839,023 would see an increase of approximately $881 per year for school debt, on average, over the 20-year term. 

The assessed value of a property is used to calculate the owner's expected property tax. A home's market value is typically a higher figure than its assessed value and is an estimate of how much it could sell for in the current market. In Tenafly, the average hom assessment for 2024 is $839,023. You can find your home's assess value by checking the database NJpropertyrecords.com.

The tax impact is estimated based on a 20-year payback of bonds. Just like home mortgages, bonds can be refinanced if interest rates fall in the future. Refinancing can mean lower tax payments or a quick payback schedule.

The tax commitment cannot exceed the amount the voters approve. That's why the district worked with experts in the field to thoroughly research the projects and costs and include contingencies in the total. That cushion takes into account spikes 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.

Any project that costs more than $44,000 must be approved via board resolution. Any members of the public interested in paying close attention to referendum project spending can do so by viewing the Board of Education's monthly meeting agendas.

Bonds do not have a specific interest rate the same way someone might secure a loan before purchasing a car or buying a home. They are sold competitively in the public bond market to the best bidder. Because of that, the district won’t know the precise interest rate until it has public permission to sell the bonds. The district works with advisers who closely watch the bond market and help determine an appropriate financing strategy. The financial advisers have conservatively estimated the interest rate to accommodate some fluctuation in the bond market. 

The district may issue the bonds at once or in multiple stages, depending on prevailing interest rates, the bond market, potential investment earnings on the bond proceeds, the construction schedule, and other factors. The tax impact will also modestly fluctuate each year based on changes in the Borough’s tax base and the final annual debt payment. Finally, bonds can be refinanced – just like a home mortgage – if rates fall in the future.

The existing bonds will be fully paid off in fiscal year 2031.

BOND PROPOSAL QUESTION
The Board of Education of the Borough of Tenafly in the County of Bergen, New Jersey (the “Board”) is authorized to (a) undertake the construction of an addition and various renovations, improvements, alterations and upgrades at Mackay Elementary School, Smith Elementary School and Stillman Elementary School, including acquisition and installation of fixtures, furniture, equipment and any site work; (b) undertake the construction of an addition and various renovations, improvements, alterations, upgrades, and upgrades and improvements to the athletic facilities at Maugham Elementary School and at Tenafly Middle School,including acquisition and installation of fixtures, furniture, equipment and any site work; (c) undertake various renovations, improvements, alterations, upgrades, and upgrades and improvements to the athletic facilities at Tenafly High School, including acquisition and installation of fixtures, furniture, equipment and any site work; (d) undertake various renovations, improvements, alterations and upgrades to the Central Office Administration Building, including acquisition and installation of fixtures, furniture, equipment and any site work; (e) appropriate $76,097,000 for such improvements; and (f) issue bonds in an amount not to exceed $76,097,000.  

The final eligible costs for the projects approved by the New Jersey Commissioner of Education are $48,636,053 (consisting of $3,012,568 for Mackay Elementary School, $5,920,047 for Smith Elementary School, $5,506,125 for Stillman Elementary School, $4,778,313 for Maugham Elementary School, $13,734,000 for Tenafly Middle School, $15,685,000 for Tenafly High School, and $0 for the Central Office Administration Building). The projects include $15,783,950 (consisting of $108,750 for Mackay Elementary School, $0 for Smith Elementary School, $97,500 for Stillman Elementary School, $192,500 for Maugham Elementary School, $6,943,200 for Tenafly Middle School, $7,188,000 for Tenafly High School, and $1,254,000 for the Central Office Administration Building) for school facility construction elements in addition to the facilities efficiency standards developed by the Commissioner of Education or not otherwise eligible for State support pursuant to N.J.S.A. 18A:7G-5(g).  The State debt service aid percentage will equal 40% of the annual debt service due with respect to the final eligible costs of the projects.  The Board of Education is authorized to transfer funds among the projects approved at this election.

Do you approve this Bond Proposal Question?

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BOND PROPOSAL QUESTION EXPLANATION
The first paragraph outlines the types of projects at each building and total cost.

The second paragraph outlines the cost of projects eligible for state aid by building and the cost of projects not eligible for state aid by building.

It is important to note that the NJDOE reviews renovations and new construction costs differently and that is reflected in how the numbers appear in the bond proposal. The biggest difference is eligibility/ineligibility for renovations are based on the actual cost estimates. Whereas, eligibility/ineligibility for new construction is based on a 24 year-old statute (The Education Facilities Construction and Financing Act) that indicates that the cost of new construction for review be based on $143 per sq. ft. This is significantly less than new construction actually costs. So, the second paragraph breaks down the following based upon eligibility/ineligibility at $143 per sq ft., as per statute:

   $48,636,053 - projects eligible for state aid by building

+ $15,783,950 - projects NOT eligible for state aid by building based upon $143 per sq. ft.

   $64,420,000 - those 2 numbers combined, which does not equal all total project costs

  $76,097,000

- $64,420,000

  $11,676,997 - this number represents the difference between the district's projected cost estimates and what the state says they should cost, as per statute (actual costs minus $143 per sq. ft).

We recognize that this is very confusing, but the state dictates how the ballot language must read - including that the state debt service aid percentage will equal 40% of the eligible costs of the projects, but as outlined above, in practice the state actually gives 34% in aid. As such, all tax impact projections are based on the district receiving 34% in state aid (or ~$16.5 million).

In the state of New Jersey, districts cannot raise taxes more than 2% each year (unless they use very specific waivers provided by the state), yet expenses are rising well above 2%. As such, our current operating budget covers personnel, programs, and building maintenance, leaving very little for significant building upgrades. Many of the projects proposed are simply too costly to ever be considered within the normal operating budget.

When available, the district has applied for and taken advantage of state and federal grants to assist with building maintenance.

The two most recent successful TPS referendums were as follows:

2000 - $17,980,000 (including $4,505,000 in state aid)
Scope of work: Elementary school additions and renovations, technology upgrades, ADA renovations, reimbursement of funds used to acquire property adjacent to Maugham, district-wide capital improvements (roof replacements, asbestos removal, window replacements & repointing), THS renovation, TMS library renovation, furniture and equipment purchases.

2005 - $33,400,00 (including $7,510,887 in state aid)
Scope of work: Tenafly Middle School and Tenafly High School additions

The state allows districts to conduct a bond referendum as a special election on four dates throughout the year (in January, March, September and December), or as part of the general election in November. The district received the necessary approvals and state aid information in late May, making the next possible date September 17. The sooner we can hold this vote, the sooner we can get started on the bidding process, secure contractors, and begin work. September is the ideal time to do this ahead of the summer of 2025. Waiting until November would delay this process, likely pushing some larger projects to the summer of 2026.

Our security upgrade plans include adding security vestibules at all schools, shatter-resistant security film to all first-floor windows, bollards around all buildings where needed, and updated external doors with improved safety features. 

A referendum does not cover personnel or any recurring costs; it only covers facilities improvements. The Board has funded SROs (School Resource Officers) at the High School and Middle School to increase security presence in addition to individuals who serve as Door Safety Monitors for access control at the main entrances of each building. The state prohibits school districts from using bond referendum funds to cover personnel.

The need for flexible spaces at the elementary schools has not changed, despite declining enrollment. The district consistently has more students who require flexible spaces for one-on-one and small-group instruction and are currently working in less than ideal spaces. Any empty classrooms due to declining enrollment will be repurposed to accommodate programs that are currently in shared spaces.

No, the additions are to accommodate small-group instruction and flexible spaces, a music room at Smith Elementary School, and a full-day integrated pre-Kindergarten program at Maugham Elementary School (which would generate revenue). They would not impact our regular classroom spaces.

Every multi-stall restroom in the district would have improved accessibility, including those at Geissinger. We would also add an elevator to Stillman Elementary School so that everyone can access the 2nd floor, extend the elevator at Maugham Elementary School to access the addition, and repair the elevator at the High School.

The proposed fieldhouse would have appropriately sized spaces for all athletes with male, female and all-gender locker rooms, a team room to review film and hold team meetings, a larger athletic trainer’s room, and designated space for coaches. There would also be a concession stand and a public restroom. The old fieldhouse would be converted to storage and public restrooms, giving spectators and visitors the much-needed easy restroom access from the field. And the track at Geissinger would be resurfaced, which is long overdue. All of these improvements would comply fully with Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) standards.

A new turf field would offer a more weather-resistant playing surface for multiple sports – and an alternative to the fields that currently get saturated by rain. When grass fields are waterlogged, practices and games get moved to the Municipal Field, rescheduled or canceled. Shifting play to the Municipal Field can bump off recreation teams. Rescheduling creates a ripple effect that impacts other teams. A synthetic turf field would be built on higher ground with a drainage system and lighting. Compared to natural grass fields, turf requires less maintenance to mow and stripe.

Lighting this new multi-sport, turf field would relieve pressure on the Municipal Field, adding 8 to 10 hours of recreational-league use during the week and potentially 20 hours on weekends.​​ And having a second all-weather track with a fence in the district would increase community access to the track.

The website has been designed to help everyone find the information they are looking for quickly, and community feedback has indicated an interest in projects related to athletics. While those projects represent about 10% of the total number of projects, they have a broad impact. Athletic facilities are also used by physical education classes and they relate to the use of other sports fields in town. Additionally, students at all our elementary schools are expected to eventually use the Geissinger Athletic Complex and High Schools facilities.

LED lighting is less expensive and easier to maintain, and it provides a more comfortable atmosphere for students and guests. LED lighting would enable us to illuminate the Middle School and High School auditoriums effectively while producing less heat for the performers on stage. LED lights last longer than alternatives as well, meaning that we would not need to spend money and time to install new bulbs as frequently. This option is less expensive, more effective, longer lasting and more sustainable than alternatives.

Replacing the sound system in the High School auditorium is a much-needed improvement. It has become obsolete with time and, as a result, is difficult to maintain. This update would allow an improved integration between microphones, soundboard and speakers. Modern equipment is vital to ensure our theater and performance arts programs are on par with other schools, and to provide a more reliable experience for students.

The Borough’s recreation and travel programs use the district’s indoor and outdoor athletic facilities. The Middle School gym improvements would benefit the basketball programs, the High School multi-sport field would benefit the outdoor recreation sports programs and Recky’s Tiger Camp, the addition of public restrooms at Geissinger and behind the High School would benefit the community and spectators, and the addition of a second all-weather track with a fence would increase community track access.

The Borough also intends to use the Middle School auditorium as an indoor option for the Summer Concert Series in the event of inclement weather.

The strength and the value of our schools are integral to the quality of life in Tenafly.  Tenafly’s academics are top notch and often the reason people move here. Our facilities, however, do not match the community’s high standards. An investment in Tenafly Public Schools is an investment in community assets.

Additionally, as stated above, athletic facility improvements would benefit the entire Tenafly community. With a new multi-sport, turf field, the Borough’s recreation department would gain up to 30 hours/week in practice and game time. An additional 4-lane track with a fence would increase community access. ADA-compliant restrooms at THS and Geissinger would be an improvement for community members and spectators. Upgrades are also planned for the TMS and THS Auditoriums, improving the student and spectator experience. 

The Senior Freeze Program reimburses eligible senior citizens and disabled persons for property tax increases on their principal residence (main home). To qualify, you must meet all the eligibility requirements for each year from the base year through the application year. Beginning with the 2023 filing season, new legislation increased the income limit for the program to $150,000 for Tax Year 2022 and eliminated the requirement that an applicant must be a New Jersey resident for 10 consecutive years to be eligible for the program. 

The district has infrastructure and curricular needs that need to be addressed as soon as possible. The sooner the district has approval to move forward with these projects, the sooner we can address these needs. 

If the referendum does not pass in September 2024, the district will lose significant time seeking alternative funding methods and voter approval, which will delay these very important projects.

Yes. Funds raised through the issuance of bonds can only be spent on capital improvements that have already received state approval, such as upgrades and repairs to buildings. The money cannot be used to cover employee salaries or to fund new staff positions.