Bulk Of Proposed Stafford Referendum Money Would Go Towards McKinley School, Officials Say

Stafford Township school officials are hoping residents will approve a much-needed $10.1 million referendum to replace a number of aging building systems in the school district, especially in the McKinley School.

Superintendent George Chidiac and several others gave an updated presentation on the potential $10.1-million project at a recent school board meeting, according to The Sandpaper.

“The McKinley School will receive the bulk of the projects,” said engineer Anita Hogan. “Many of these projects have been delayed too long. Many of the systems in place are well past their useful life, and you’d be spending more to maintain and repair them than it would take to replace them with new systems.”

Business Administrator Daniel Smith said the district would received 40 percent from the state to help offset the cost of the project if residents approve the proposal.

“The state aid is determined according to the projects,” Smith said. “All these needs are eligible for 40 percent funding, and we wanted there to be less of a burden on the taxpayers for what would be a major renovation project.”

The district needs security, camera systems, new fire alarm and public address system improvements; new emergency generators, replacement of heating, air conditioning and ventilation systems and original electrical infrastructure; replacement of doors for functionality and security; upgraded rest room facilities, water quality and conservation, according to the proposal.

Smith said there will be no increase in the school tax levy because a current debt cycle will be phased over the next few years. The new debt would then be calculated into the tax levy.

The district will hold a "Referendum Information Night" at 7 p.m. on Nov. 16 at the Stafford Township Arts Center at 1000 McKinley Avenue.

More information is also available to a special referendum page, available on the district website at staffordschools.org,

To read the entire story, click here.

Image: Patch file photo.