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Tewksbury Township School District
SHAPING THE FUTURE
VOTE NOVEMBER 4
After decades of shaping the future for students, Tewksbury schools need some work. The 1960s-era design of OTS doesn’t match the ways that the building is used today. Though newer, TES shows the daily struggles that come from heating, ventilation, air conditioning (HVAC) systems that have just about hit their life expectancies. At both schools, exterior doors have suffered from everyday wear and tear.
To address the needs, spread costs over time, and capture about $8.5 million in state financial aid, the Board of Education proposes a plan to fund major improvements by selling bonds. Residents will vote on that plan Tuesday, November 4 as part of the General Election ballot.
Board of Education member Mr. Eric Schwartz gives a brief overview – in under 5 minutes – about the upcoming bond referendum.
Watch the Bond Referendum Virtual Community Forum
A panel of district leaders and professional consultants discussed the bond referendum and answered community questions during the September 30 virtual forum. Watch the full recording, or skip to topics of interest at these timestamps:
2:15 - Why a Bond Referendum?
4:45 - Architect Overview of Projects
9:38 - Financial Overview of Tax Impact
15:11 - Bond Funding vs. Operating Budget
19:05 - School-Specific Needs
33:05 - Forum Q&A
ACCESS $8.5 MILLION IN STATE AID - ONLY WITH VOTER APPROVAL
ACCESS $8.5 MILLION IN STATE AID - ONLY WITH VOTER APPROVAL
Districts across New Jersey strategically hold bond referenda to access a type of state aid that is only available through a voter-approved plan. In Tewksbury’s case, the state has thoroughly reviewed the projects and agreed to pay 34% of the costs. All projects qualify for the maximum amount of state aid.
That’s $8.5 million in funding.
This is money that Tewksbury residents already paid to the state through taxes. It can only be brought back to invest in our schools through approval of the referendum. This is a “use it or lose it” scenario.
Improvements to TES & OTS
Improvements to TES & OTS
Exterior doors
Flooring
HVAC
Question 1 would result in a tax decrease.
Improvements to OTS
Improvements to OTS
Classroom doors
Science labs
Tech (STEAM) Room
Art Room
All Purpose Room
Question 1 can pass on its own. Question 2 cannot pass unless Question 1 passes.
ALL PROJECTS QUALIFY FOR THE MAXIMUM AMOUNT OF STATE AID - MINIMIZING THE TAX IMPACT.
ALL PROJECTS QUALIFY FOR THE MAXIMUM AMOUNT OF STATE AID - MINIMIZING THE TAX IMPACT.
Advantage of Strategic Timing and State Aid
Advantage of Strategic Timing and State Aid
A bond referendum allows the district to qualify for a type of state aid it would not receive otherwise. Tax revenue collected across New Jersey is distributed only to districts with voter-approved bond referenda. This is a "use it or lose it" scenario.
The tax impact is based on the average assessed home in Tewksbury Township ($660,409).
Board of Education member Ms. Connie Wygera and Dr. Bill Simon discuss the referendum.
Residents would see a property tax decrease.
Residents would see a property tax increase.
Remember: Question 1 can pass on its own. Question 2 cannot pass unless Question 1 passes.
Benefits of Bond Funding
Benefits of Bond Funding
Get $8.5 million state aid to pay 34% of the costs (rather than fitting them into the annual budget with very little state aid) with voter approval of both questions.
Complete projects in a few years and spread costs over time (like how a homeowner finances a new roof or an addition with a home equity loan).
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