School Bond Referendum Passes In Moorestown: Officials

Editor's note: This article was last updated at 10:32 p.m. Tuesday.

MOORESTOWN, NJ — A majority of Moorestown residents voted in favor of the school bond referendum, propelling more than $100 million in facility upgrades after years-long efforts to reshape the district, officials said Tuesday night.

About 65 percent of voters approved Question 1, which contained the bulk of the proposed projects for Moorestown Township Public Schools, according to the tally as of this writing. Question 2, which centers around Moorestown High School, had roughly 60 percent approval as of that time.

The numbers reflect all votes submitted at the polls and all mail-in ballots received as of Tuesday, district officials said on election night.

All results are unofficial until certified on a later date.

"The Moorestown Board of Education and administration thank every voter who took the time to learn about the proposal and cast a ballot," the district said in a statement. "It has been an honor for us to take part in this significant milestone in the history of our town. We will now work with our professional advisors to move forward with the projects and continue a legacy of excellence for our students, staff and community."

Projects tied to the referendum include expanding William Allen Middle School, upgrading outdated infrastructure, and developing enough classroom space for the district to offer free, full-day kindergarten.

The projects will cost an estimated $108.3 million. The state will contribute $18.7 million toward that total.

Both questions passing will bring an estimated tax hike of $648 per year — $54 per month — to the average assessed Moorestown home, worth $465,125. However, a successful school bond referendum is essentially the only way for the district to receive state funding for facility upgrades, which typically fully fall on local taxpayers.

• Related: Moorestown Bond Referendum Hits Final Stretch, With $108M In Upgrades On The Line

Here are the latest results as of this writing:

QUESTION 1

• Projects on the ballot: William Allen Middle School expansion, upgrading infrastructure at all schools (including HVACs), new roofing at three schools, security improvements, and replacement of tennis courts, stadium turf, and Isenberg Gymnasium.
• Total cost: $80.3 million
• State aid: $16 million
• Estimated tax impact: $444 per year ($37 per month)

Results (zero districts reporting):

• Yes: 2,492
• No: 1,302

QUESTION 2

• Projects on the ballot: Building a new operations center, instructional renovations at Moorestown High School, athletic enhancements (three new turf fields, lighting), and new traffic flow.
• Total cost: $28 million
• State aid: $2.7 million
• Estimated tax impact: $204 per year ($17 per month)

Results (zero districts reporting):

• Yes: 2,310
• No: 1,471