With crumbling parking lots, outdated fire systems and leaky roofs, the Middlesex Borough Public Schools have scheduled a bond referendum for March 8, 2022, for a project without a tax increase for borough taxpayers.
The school district has been able to secure $3.1 million in state aid, drastically reducing the cost of the proposed renovations.
Under the plan, borough taxpayers would pay back bonds, with interest, on the district’s $6.8 million outlay over 20 years.
“This is the ideal time to present this capital improvement plan to voters, as the school district is about to retire debt from an earlier bond issue,” Schools Superintendent Frederick Williams said.
“We have carefully developed a plan, after assessing the school district’s absolute needs, without the need to raise taxes. Meanwhile, through this project, we can address critical safety concerns that affect our students and staff.”
School officials were pleased to secure the $3.1 million in state aid, thus ensuring no negative tax impact. There are three components of the plan before voters:
- School parking lots are crumbling and dangerous at Von E. Mauger Middle School and Watchung Elementary School, both on Fisher Avenue. Both lots would be replaced.
- Sections of roofs at Mauger and Middlesex High School on JFK Drive are leaking and beyond their life span. They need to be replaced.
- The fire alarms at Hazelwood Elementary School on Hazelwood Avenue and Middlesex High School are antiquated. For the safety of teachers and their students, they need to be replaced.
The public vote is planned for Tuesday, March 8, 2022, with polling hours of 2-8 p.m.
Additional information will be provided on the school district’s website, at mbschools.org, as it becomes available.