Borough voters are invited to an open house on Thursday, Feb. 3 at six p.m.to learn the details of a proposed capital program for repairs to three public school buildings.
A bond referendum has been slated for March 8, 2022, seeking voter support for a project that would generate no tax increase. The open house will take place in the gym of Von E. Mauger Middle School on Fisher Avenue.
Stations will be placed around the room, with school officials explaining various aspects of the plan.
Architects, financial consultants and other project coordinators will also be in attendance to answer questions. The school district secured $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,” explained Schools Superintendent Frederick Williams.
LWE 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 adverse tax impact.
There are three components of the plan before voters:
- • School parking lots are in disrepair 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 would be replaced.
- • The fire alarms in at Hazelwood Elementary School on Hazelwood Avenue and Middlesex High School would be replaced.
That public vote is planned for Tuesday, March 8, 2022, with polling hours of 2-8 p.m. at Middlesex High School gym.