COURT HOUSE – Middle Township Public Schools will bring bond referendum information directly to community members through a series of events this summer. Residents will vote Sept. 17 on funding a proposal for school building improvements to better serve students and the community.
The bond referendum is the culmination of a two-year process by the district and Board of Education working with architects to evaluate building needs, considering potential projects and, ultimately, narrowing the list to form a fiscally responsible proposal.
Community members will have the opportunity to see bond referendum presentations, ask questions and talk with district and school leaders at these events:
- Aug. 6, 5-8 p.m.: National Night Out, Goshen Complex, 626 Goshen Road (look for the MTPS table)
- Aug. 14, 7 p.m.: Whitesboro community event, sponsored by the Concerned Citizens of Whitesboro and Cape May County NAACP, at the MLK Center, 207 W. Main St.
- Aug. 22, 12:30 p.m.: Lunch & Learn at the De Vico Senior Center, 23 Romney Place
The district also will hold a community forum on Aug. 28 at 7 p.m. Residents can attend in person at Elementary School #1, 215 Eldredge Road, or virtually through a Zoom link.
The forum is an opportunity to learn more about the referendum and ask questions of a panel including district leaders, the project architect and financial advisors.
Proposed projects include building additions and renovations to meet students’ instructional needs, such as a growing demand for tuition-free pre-k and individualized learning support. At Memorial Field, a plan to swap grass for weather-resistant turf would increase playing time for students and local recreation leagues.
A voter-approved referendum will give the district permission to borrow money by selling bonds. The financing tool provides up-front funding, much the way a homeowner can make improvements through taking out a home equity loan. An approved referendum also would let the district access state aid toward these large-scale building improvements.
If the referendum passes, the state will pay $3 million toward the $26.5 million project costs. The owner of a home assessed at Middle Township’s average of $251,010 could expect an annual tax impact of around $165.
All registered voters in Middle Township can vote at the polls on Tuesday, Sept. 17, or by mail.
For more information on voting, projects, funding and other events, see middletownshippublicschools.org/future/. Residents also can watch a series of videos about the proposed improvements.
