Supports School Districts’ Referendums

To the Editor: 
Residents of Lower Township will vote on a bond referendum to fund needed repairs and upgrades to elementary schools in the township Jan. 26, and voters in Lower Township, Cape May and West Cape May will decide a bond referendum for repairs and improvements for the Lower Cape May Regional School District which includes the Teitelman School and the high school.  
In Lower Township, the $5 million bond for the elementary school district will fund projects that are absolutely necessary, including roof replacement and repaving driveways and parking lots at two schools.  The state share is 40 percent of the project and taxpayers will share in 60 percent of the final cost.  
Residents of Lower Township, Cape May and West Cape May will also vote on a $6.3 million bond referendum for the Lower Cape May Regional School District for repairs, security updates, roof and window replacements and paving the driveways and parking lots, plus a multi-functional field house to accommodate the many teams supported by the district. The building will be a resource for community sports teams and activities. The state will share in the cost of the improvements to the school buildings.
The cost to taxpayers is minimal. A homeowner with an average assessment in each community will pay an additional $23-$26 per year, about 50 cents a week. 
The State of New Jersey is very specific in its mandate governing special school elections giving the districts only four possible dates. The date of Jan. 26 was chosen so both districts would have time to go out to bid and be able to begin construction work during the summer months while school is not in session.
I urge you to vote Jan. 26 and support both school districts in their efforts to maintain a healthy and safe environment for our children.