The Pitman School District has received overwhelming support from voters in a special election this week, approving a $21.3 million bond to fund significant renovations at two of its schools.
Based on unofficial tallies from Tuesday’s election, the result marks a major step forward for the district, which had long identified critical infrastructure needs in its facilities.
The planned improvements will focus on Pitman Elementary School and Pitman Junior/Senior High School.
The district will borrow the money required for the projects, with New Jersey contributing approximately $7.2 million toward the total cost.
This financial partnership from the state will help reduce the local tax burden on residents while addressing long-standing facility needs.
Superintendent Robert Preston expressed gratitude for the community’s engagement in the process and emphasized the collaborative effort that went into the planning.
The district worked closely with an architectural team, and feedback from the community during the Strategic Planning process helped identify key areas in need of improvement.
The bond referendum was divided into two separate questions.
The first question, which focused on upgrades for Pitman Elementary, including new heating and boiler systems, bathroom renovations, and air conditioning installation, was approved by a margin of 895 votes in favor to 428 votes opposed.
In addition to these essential upgrades, the plan calls for improvements at the high school, including track and drainage repairs, roof repairs, and the construction of a security vestibule.
The second question, aimed at further funding for air-conditioning installation at the elementary school and the high school security vestibule, passed with 878 votes in favor and 442 votes against.
Although mail-in and provisional ballots are still being counted, the results suggest a clear preference for making these critical improvements.
For residents of Pitman, this will mean an increased property tax of approximately $314 per year on average, beginning after the district’s current bond is retired in 2026.
This will be an additional tax burden for homeowners but is also a necessary investment in the district’s infrastructure.
The breakdown of the $21.3 million project includes $17.5 million allocated to Pitman Elementary School, with a focus on its heating and air conditioning systems, bathrooms, and other essential upgrades.
Approximately $3.7 million will be directed to the high school, with a large portion going toward track and drainage work, roof repairs, and the security vestibule.
Specifically, $10 million is earmarked for the elementary school’s heating and boiler systems, and $6.7 million is designated for the installation of air conditioning.
Other key components of the project include $2.3 million for high school roof repairs and $700,000 for improvements to the elementary school bathrooms.
This bond is part of a larger trend across New Jersey, where voters in several districts have approved similar proposals for school infrastructure improvements.
While these measures often involve property tax increases, the benefits of securing state funding and ensuring the long-term health and safety of school facilities make these projects crucial.
In Pitman, the improvements are ensuring that the schools are equipped to meet the needs of future generations of students.
The district’s next steps will include arranging for bond sales, drawing up detailed project specifications, and soliciting bids from contractors.
School officials are optimistic that they can complete these renovations with state funding without unduly burdening local taxpayers.
Superintendent Preston has emphasized that this is a pivotal moment for Pitman Schools, signaling that the district is committed to providing quality facilities for its students.
The district serves roughly 1,200 students from pre-kindergarten through 12th grade.
With the approval of these renovations, Pitman Schools will offer a more modern, safe, and comfortable learning environment for its students and staff.
In addition to Pitman, voters in Princeton, Mendham Borough, and Scotch Plains-Fanwood approved similar school spending proposals in Tuesday’s election.
For Pitman, this renovation project marks the beginning of a new chapter in the district’s history, and with the community’s support, the future is looking bright for local schools.
