Mixed Success for Other NJ Referendums

Of the eight special elections on school construction around the state Tuesday, half of the proposals passed, including a question for athletic facilities in North Arlington in Bergen County, according to a New Jersey School Boards Association news release.

The approved projects total more than $25.6 million.

More than $50.8 million in construction was proposed, including a proposal by the Hanover Park Regional High School District to improve the fields and outdoor athletic facilities at Hanover Park and Whippany Park high schools.

East Hanover, Florham Park and Hanover voters were asked to approve borrowing $17.5 million for the upgrades, a project school officials said is long overdue, but the measure fell short.

Successful proposals this week included an $18.2 million question in Livingston that involved additions and renovations to five elementary schools and ADA compliance at the high school and a $3.4 million question in North Arlington that involved the construction of an athletic complex.

The North Arlington proposal faced opposition from the mayor there and concerns about the field flooding because of its location. It passed 950-718, according to a South Bergenite report.

The Hanover Park Regional question—defeated 2,656-2,274—was the only one in Morris County this week, but other recent field proposals in Parsippany and Montville also failed.

The outcome on the Hanover Park Regional referendum varied by town. In Florham Park, more voters approved it with a 22-vote margin. In East Hanover, it was rejected by a 9-vote marging. In Hanover it was rejected by a 395-vote margin.

The second Tuesday in March is one of five days each year school districts may hold special elections.

STATEWIDE

Total amount approved: $25,662,419 (Proposed: $50,856,757)

ATLANTIC COUNTY

Weymouth Township - Passed

Undertake various mechanical and electrical renovations to the township elementary school.

Total amount: $980,000 

BERGEN COUNTY

North Arlington - Passed

Construct an athletic field complex, including a six-lane track, multipurpose athletic field, and storage, restroom and concession stand buildings.

Total amount: $3,388,669

Wallington - Rejected

Undertake masonry, window, door and/or roof repairs at two elementary schools and the junior/senior high school.

Total amount: $4,313,963 

CAMDEN COUNTY

Brooklawn - Rejected

Acquire a church and rectory to convert the rectory into administrative offices, and use the church and existing administrative offices for classroom space.

Total amount: $1,825,000

Bellmawr - Passed

Repair or replace roofs at three schools.

Total amount: $3,093,750

ESSEX COUNTY

Livingston Township - Passed

Construct additions or renovations to five elementary schools; ADA compliance at the high school.

Total amount: $18,200,000

MORRIS COUNTY

Hanover Park Regional - Rejected

Athletic field projects at two high schools, including renovations or installation of turf, bleachers, track, fencing, field houses, scoreboards, etc.

Total amount: $17,530,000

SALEM COUNTY

Elsinboro Township - Rejected

Undertake various renovations to the township elementary school, including roofs, windows and HVAC.

Total amount: $1,525,375