The final approval for the Haddonfield Public Schools bond referendum was passed at the Board of Education meeting last Thursday. The board approved preliminary eligible cost letters, the bond referendum and special election information in a 6–1–1 vote.
The first resolution on PEC letters are letters from the state Department of Education setting the preliminary eligible cost and financial assistance determinations. The state has committed to pay approximately 40 percent of the debt service costs, though it has been known to be lower, according to members of the board. Due to the past few years’ debt service aid being lower, the estimates the board has made have been based on approximately 34 percent.
“We are, according to law, funded 40 percent. Each year, the treasury decides how much they are going to fund debt service aid. It could be at 100 percent, and get all the 40 percent. Or it could be discounted, which is what it has been in the last few years,” Vice President Susan Kutner said.
The second resolution was on the bond proposal itself. The bond total cost is $35.3 million with an estimated yearly tax impact of $300.49 for the average assessed home at $484,226. The referendum is split into two questions, with the second question having a part A and B. Question 1 must be approved for anything on Question 2 to pass.
Q1 addresses critical needs the district says have to be addressed immediately, including steel, brick and mortar components that keep the buildings standing, the roofs from leaking, and the doors and windows functioning. Also included are the replacement of inefficient and failing HVAC systems, and replacement of outdated communications systems essential for security.
The total cost of Q1 is estimated at $30.2 million.
Q2A addresses air-conditioning key parts of each school, and Building Automation System Control to operate utilities with modern efficiency. The total cost of Q2A is estimated at $3. 7 million.
Q2B addresses critical repairs at the high school stadium and track. Without those restorations, use of the stadium and track will be significantly restricted, officials said. The total cost of Q2B is estimated at $1.4 million.
The bond referendum vote will take place with a special election on Tuesday, March 8 from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. The list of polling places are: Tatem School (Music Room), 1 Glover Ave., for Districts 2 and 10; middle school (Music Room), 1 Lincoln Ave., for Districts 3 and 4; Elizabeth Haddon School (Art Room), 501 W. Redman Ave. for Districts 6 and 7; Middle School (Music Room) 1 Lincoln Ave., for Districts 1 and 5; and Lutheran Church Hall, 204 Wayne Ave., for Districts 8 and 9. Ballots will tell voters where they are to vote as well, according to Business Administrator John Christopher Oberg.
This is a change from the previously stated 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. polling window. The Board of Elections made the change of time and the change of polling places, Oberg said.
At last week’s meeting, Mary Fagan voted no on the first and second resolution and abstained on the special election information. Kutner recused herself and Drew Hansen was absent. All other members voted in approval.
A video of this meeting can be found on the Haddonfield Civic Association’s Vimeo page at vimeo.com/user2961532. For more information on the bond referendum, visit the district’s bond referendum website at haddonfieldbondreferendum.com.
