ICYMI: Chatham Referendum Voted Down, Budget Approved

Chatham Township and Chatham Borough residents voted down the controversial $24.8 million school district bond referendum yesterday, Tuesday, April 21.

The referendum was struck down after a vote of 1,521 in favor and 3,272 opposed, according to the School District of the Chathams. The referendum’s tax impact on both Chatham Township and Chatham Borough residents would have been about $25 annually per $100,000 of assessed valuation, the Chatham Courier reported.

Question two, the $24.8 million referendum, proposed six capital projects, including improvements to athletic facilities and parking, and more classroom space, the report said. The most controversial project included was the construction of a performing arts center at Chatham Middle School and repurposing the current auditorium into classrooms and offices.

Another referendum can be presented by the Board of Education in September.

The school budget for the School District of the Chathams, however, was approved by voters. The budget was approved by a vote of 3,208 in favor and 1,655 opposed.

In total, 4,639 residents cast a ballot in the 2015 School District of the Chathams Board Election out of 13,690 eligible voters.