Monroe school district trying a third time to ease overcrowding with $104M referendum
MONROE – Township voters will go to the polls March 14 to decide on a $104 million referendum that would fund renovation, refurbishment and safety projects in district schools.
If approved, the district would receive $17.4 million in state aid for the projects, according to school officials. The average taxpayer whose home is assessed at $320,410 would have an estimated tax impact per year of $204.20, school officials said.
Overcrowded and aging facilities in the district, which serves nearly 7,000 students in eight schools, has worsened since referendums were rejected by voters in 2018 and 2019, according to school officials.
The main projects in the referendum impact the high school, middle school and Applegarth Elementary School.
For the high school, the estimated project cost is $13.8 million for renovations and refurbishment, including adding 17 additional academic classrooms, two small-group instruction classrooms and a Physical Education Fitness Facility. The existing fitness space − a 4,500-square-foot weight and cardiovascular center – would be repurposed to accommodate additional classroom and small-group instruction rooms. Also, a pre-engineered building addition would be provided as additional space to optimize programming adjacencies.
At the middle school, the estimated project cost is $39.9 million for renovations, refurbishment and safety upgrades, including adding 17 academic classrooms for grades 6-8, four of which are the result of repurposing existing space; four small-group instruction classrooms for mixed grades, of which two are the result of repurposing existing space; conference rooms, utility rooms and an auxiliary cafeteria. Also, there would be additions and changes made to certain administrative and operational spaces, including relocating the main office.
In addition, the building would get replacements of boilers and HVAC equipment, some plumbing fixtures and interior finishes, as well as an upgraded fire alarm system and security systems.
Also see:Ethics complaint against three Monroe school board members dismissed
The estimated project cost for Applegarth Elementary School is $50 million for renovations, refurbishment, safety upgrades and overhaul of mechanical services. Twelve academic classrooms for grades 3-5 would be added for classes relocated from Oak Tree Elementary to address overcrowding and balancing sister schools.
Specialized instructional spaces such as a new cafetorium, full-service kitchen and one small-group instruction room for mixed grades would be added. Additional administrative and operational spaces include a new Child Study Team Office, an Assistant Principal Office, a secure, administrative storage room and an Information Technology and Technology Support room. Also, a student courtyard for recreation would be created complete with enhanced infrastructure for student safety and security.
According to the district, passing the referendum will have a positive impact on curriculum programs, enabling it to expand, balance and develop K-12 programs throughout the school system.
email: cmakin@gannettnj.com
Cheryl Makin is an award-winning features and education reporter for MyCentralJersey.com, part of the USA Today Network. Contact: Cmakin@gannettnj.com or @CherylMakin. To get unlimited access, please subscribe or activate your digital account today.
This article originally appeared on MyCentralJersey.com: Monroe schools trying third time to ease overcrowding with referendum
