Middle Township Public Schools sums up the strategy behind its Sept. 17 bond referendum in two words: Expanding Opportunities.

The referendum includes improvements to elevate educational experiences, benefit families, and enhance athletic areas that serve as community resources. Here’s an overview of what is proposed:

• MTPS has a waiting list of 100-plus children for its state-funded, tuition-free pre-k program. A building addition and renovations at Middle Elementary School #1 would provide the space for full-day pre-k, and reduce costs for families spending $10,000-plus per year for private preschool.
• Second graders would move to a new wing at Middle Elementary #2, where they could receive a more cohesive elementary school experience.
• We’re seeing an increase in the need for individualized instruction at both our elementary schools. The buildings lack adequate and appropriate spaces to help students reach their full potential. New and expanded space at both elementary schools would make more room for robotics and coding, Basic Skills, special education and other types of instruction.
• The classroom units that control heating, cooling and air flow are important for both comfort and focus. Through the referendum, we could replace 16 of these outdated, failing units with more efficient models.
• Our active community uses the tennis courts near the high school and grass field at the Memorial Field complex. Proposed improvements include resurfacing the courts, replacing rusting home-side bleachers and installing a weather-resistant turf field that would increase availability to students and recreation leagues.

If the referendum passes, the state will pay $3 million toward the $26.5 million project costs. This funding is only available through a bond referendum. The tax impact for the average assessed home in Middle Township is estimated at $165 per year over the 20-year borrowing term.

Leveraging a bond referendum as a funding tool is an extension of the district’s efficient financial management. MTPS has the lowest per-pupil cost in Cape May County and is the 10th most cost-efficient school district in New Jersey.

MTPS wants voters to learn as much as possible about the bond referendum to improve our schools and community, so we’re sharing information through outreach events, a town-wide postcard, social media and the website, middletownshippublicschools.org/future, where you’ll find videos, project details and extensive FAQs. Please join us on Aug. 28 at 7 p.m. to hear from a panel of district representatives and consultants including the project architects and financial advisors. Attend in person at Elementary School #1, 215 Eldredge Road, or virtually via Zoom.

Thanks for taking the time to learn about the referendum and remember to vote on Sept. 17!