Lacey Rejects $92.5M School Referendum: Unofficial Results

LACEY, NJ — Voters had their say Tuesday and shot down all three questions that, if approved, would have done $92.5 million worth of repairs and upgrades to buildings throughout the Lacey Township School District, according to unofficial election results.

The results, as of 9 p.m. Tuesday, will remain unofficial until certified by the Ocean County Clerk.

Question one, which would have allowed for roofs to be replaced at all schools to the tune of $30 million, with the state covering $12 million of that, was narrowly rejected, according to the unofficial results. There were 2,876 "no" votes to 2,640 "yeses," according to the unofficial results.

The second question, at $38 million, would have installed and upgraded HVAC systems across the district.

It was rejected 3,472 to 2,002, according to the unofficial results.

Finally, question three - which was the most controversial question for voters - sought a variety of upgrades, including the installation of a new turf field at a total of $25.5 million.

It was soundly rejected, according to the unofficial results, 3,873 to 1,609.

There was a total turnout of 22.36 percent, according to the unofficial results.

What happens now? Acting Superintendent William Zylinski previously said that these repairs still need to be done whether the referendum passes or fails. They will be done with 100 percent paid by taxpayers, Zylinski previously said. They also will likely take longer and cost more, he said.

The next regular Board of Education meeting is March 20.