$28M Referendum For Washington Township Schools: When To Vote

LONG VALLEY, NJ — Today is the day for residents in Long Valley to vote on the $28.8 million referendum, which is looking to provide upgrades to the Washington Township School District.

The Washington Township School District is seeking funding for several district-wide renovation projects, including infrastructure upgrades, classroom renovations, and instructional additions, through a referendum vote on Tuesday, Mar. 14.

Residents will have the opportunity to vote on this referendum, which will not raise current taxes, address every priority facility need in the district, keep school buildings safe, and improve children's educational experiences for many years.

The state of New Jersey has approved funding for 40 percent of the $28.8 million referendum.

If the referendum fails, the schools will not receive more than $11 million in state aid. Furthermore, whether or not the referendum passes, the items on the project list will eventually need to be addressed, the district said.

In terms of the public impact of the referendum vote, the district anticipates little impact on taxpayers. The existing debt service from the 2003 referendum will be paid off in July 2023, and since the district has no other long-term debt, the new debt will replace the old debt.

"This vote is for a Board of Education referendum only, but it affects everyone, not just the parents of kids in the K–8 system. So, get out and vote if you want your voice to be heard on the BOE's plan," Washington Township Mayor Matthew Murello said.

Voting will take place at your local polling place from 1 p.m. to 8 p.m

During election hours, all polling places will be open as usual, officials said.

The chosen projects and final plan represent a comprehensive solution to the district's aging buildings and educational enhancements. If the referendum passes, the projects will be completed over two to three summers beginning in 2023.

The projects included in the referendum are as follows:

• Long Valley Middle School
  • Installation of a generator
  • HVAC upgrades inclusive of air conditioning & asbestos abatement of floor tile
  • Court renovations
  • Renovation of unused space for STEM program & PAC upgrades
  • Electrical upgrades
  • renovated public address system
  • New paving/sidewalks
  • Renovations to the Culinary Arts Room
• Flocktown-Kossmann Elementary School
  • Installation of air conditioning in Flocktown
  • HVAC upgrades include air conditioning in Kossmann
  • New boiler in Kossmann
  • New windows in Kossmann
  • Enhanced storage for classrooms in both buildings
  • Renovation of media center for the STEM program in both buildings
  • Electrical upgrades in both buildings
  • Roof replacement in both buildings
  • New paving/sidewalks
• Benedict A. Cucinella Elementary School
  • Renovation of Media Center for STEM program
  • New paving/drainage enhancements
  • Rebuilt front pillars & steel painting
  • Outdoor upgrades
• Old Farmer's Road Elementary School
  • ADA access for the playground
  • New paving/sidewalks
  • Enhanced storage for classrooms
  • Renovation of the media center for STEM program

To see the full list of the proposed referendum projects, click here.