The following is a release from the Mantua Township School District:
The Mantua Township School District’s Board of Education passed a resolution in September authorizing the preparation and submission of applications to the appropriate state and local agencies for proposed improvements and renovations to the school district’s facilities. At the October meeting, the board reviewed architectural plans prepared by Garrison Architects that were subsequently submitted to the appropriate state and local agencies for approval.
On January 28, 2020, Mantua Township residents will vote on two questions regarding capital improvements for all Mantua Township Schools. The improvement plans for “Mantua 2021: Taking our schools from good to great” are split into two questions:
- Question 1 project highlights include renovations at all three school buildings. All schools will be outfitted with security vestibules, transaction windows, technology upgrades for safety and HVAC equipment replacements. Sewell Elementary School and J. Mason Tomlin Elementary School will have gym floors that are emitting mercury removed and replaced. An addition at Sewell Elementary School will house additional kindergarten classrooms and the relocation of the administrative offices. A detailed plan of all work can be found here. The total estimated cost of the projects in Question 1 is $9,650,000. If voters approve this question, there will be no tax impact for residents due to debt expiring in 2020.
- Question 2 includes $1,385,250 in additional improvements at all three schools. Sewell Elementary School projects include the construction of ADA accessible prekindergarten classroom bathrooms as well as the removal and replacement of carpet with non-allergenic floor tile. Centre City Elementary School would receive a new ADA compliant playground surface and classroom carpet removal and replacement. J. Mason Tomlin School would get a new ADA compliant playground surface. If voters approve this question, there would be an approximate annual increase of $9.87 per household (based on average assessed home value of $205,881).
It’s expected that between 20% – 40% of the cost of these improvements will be reimbursed by the State of New Jersey. Specific details on the reimbursable expenses is forthcoming.
“With existing debt expiring in 2020, this is the perfect time to take our schools from good to great. An investment in our schools will allow us to address important ADA compliance issues and school safety in all of our buildings,” explained Dr. Robert Fisicaro, Superintendent of the Mantua Township School District.
Mantua Township residents are invited to attend upcoming information sessions to learn more about Mantua 2021. Information sessions at the schools and community events at local businesses are being scheduled so all voters, not just those with students enrolled in the schools, can learn about the projects included in Mantua 2021.
District Information Sessions:
- Nov. 18 at 7:00 p.m. – Centre City Library
- Nov. 20 at 7:30 p.m. – J. Mason Tomlin Art Room (after the JMT PTO meeting)
- Nov. 21 at 7:30 p.m. – Sewell School APR
For a list of upcoming events and more information about Mantua 2021, visit www.bit.ly/Mantua2021. If residents have questions about Mantua 2021, they can email Mantua2021@mantuaschools.com.
