After Bond Issue Fails, Wayne Schools Look To Next Steps For Funding

WAYNE, NJ —After voters decisively rejected a bond proposal at the polls, Wayne Public Schools officials said they will consider next steps for funding improvements that they say are necessary for the future of the district.

The issuance of $169.8 million in bonds would have raised taxes about $370 annually for homes assessed at the township average of $229,473, said school officials. The term of the bond would have been 25 years.

Unofficial results from Tuesday's special election show that 5,076 voters (62.7 percent) chose "no" and 3,018 voters (37.3 percent) chose "yes" on the proposal question. About 19 percent of eligible voters in Wayne cast their ballots, per the Passaic County Clerk's Office.

Final totals will change, as election officials count mail-in ballots and very any provisional ballots.

In social media posts Wednesday, officials thanked residents for voting and for learning about the referendum.

"We’ll continue to prioritize feedback as we explore options for addressing the district’s needs," officials said.

The township's public school district was seeking to raise property taxes to fund upgrades and enhancements around the 15 school buildings — with an expansion at the Preakness Early Childhood Center to accommodate the growing population.

District officials emphasized the need for better security, more energy-friendly buildings, and overall facility improvements so the district can remain competitive with its peers. The bond proposal included 62 projects across the 15 buildings.

The state would have contributed $39 million to the projects.

In comments to TAPinto Wayne, Mayor Christopher Vergano said the voters "have spoken loud and clear" and re-emphasized his assertion that the bond was too costly for homeowners and businesses. The mayor had made several public statements about the project before Tuesday's election, and recommended the Board of Education come back with a smaller referendum in the fall.

The last successful bond proposal in the township was in 2003, when taxpayers approved a measure for the construction of Anthony Wayne Middle School. That bond is scheduled to fall off the debt service schedule by the end of this year.