What does Tuesday's school bond referendum mean for Riverside?
RIVERSIDE − Voters approved millions of dollars for school improvements at a Tuesday bond referendum that school officials say will cost property owners a minimal tax increase of less than $13 a year.
Fewer than 11 percent of more than 4,700 registered voters went to the polls and OK'd two bond proposals totalling$16.8 million to help finance multiple construction projects at all of its three schools — the elementary, middle and high school — and at its field house. Election results from the Burlington County clerk are unofficial.
The larger of two approved Riverside school bond issues authorizes $15.8 million to cover the cost of 10 new classrooms at the overcrowded elementary school, roof repairs with new warranties for all the schools, parking lot resurfacing and other upgrades like drainage and a new, relocated playground with a more shock absorbent and maintenance-free surface of rubber granules.
A smaller bond proposal of just under $1 million will finance the installation of energy-saving windows at the Pop Vernon Field House. All three schools and the field house are within a school complex between Washington and Grant streets.
The bigger bond issue, which passed Tuesday by a vote of 323 to 199, or 61 percent, will not raise property taxes for residents and businesses. However, the smaller one will result in a $12.04 annual increase in property taxes on an average-priced home assessed at $151,758, the school board projected.
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The state will contribute $7.1 million, or 45 percent, of the cost of the larger bond with the remainder to be paid with available local funds. The need for a tax increase to cover the local share will be eliminated because the district will pay off two existing bonds next year, offsetting the new borrowing's expense of $259.07 per year for an average home.
State funds also will cover about 70 percent of the smaller $975,000 bond issue, which voters approved by a similar vote of 311 to 208, or a 59 percent approval.
Enrollment at the Riverside Township School District has been increasing and is now more than 1,500 students. In the past two years, student enrollment has risen by 13 percent, or 181 new students, according to school administration figures.
"Classroom space is becoming increasingly scarce and several staff members have been relocated ... to shared classrooms, other shared spaces or to the cafeteria, auditorium (or elsewhere)," the board of education explained in a statement about the crowded elementary school, calling the situation "not the optimal learning environment for our students."
To build 10 extra classrooms at a cost of $6 million the existing board of education office building must be torn down and the school playground relocated, according to project designer Garrison Architects of Bellmawr.
About $3.6 million of the combined bond issues will cover architectural, project management, legal and other professional services connected with the dual projects.
Pleased with the unofficial results, Riverside School District Superintendent Michael Adams said the improvements will "positively impact students and each grade level in several ways ... and are designed to keep students safer and healthy and to protect our school investments for years to come."
Carol Comegno loves telling stories about South Jersey life, history and military veterans for the Courier Post, Burlington County Times and The Daily Journal. If you have a story to share, call her at 856-486-2473 or email ccomegno@gannettnj.com.
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This article originally appeared on Cherry Hill Courier-Post: Riverside NJ ballot measures: School bonds approved
