Big changes could be on the horizon for Willingboro Township Public Schools, and it’s up to the community to decide.
A special election is set for March 11, in which voters will determine whether the district can proceed with a massive $67.9 million plan to renovate and construct new facilities.
While New Jersey is chipping in $21 million, local taxpayers will be left to cover the rest—meaning it’s not just about what the schools will gain but also what your wallet might lose.
So everyone is in the loop, the district has been hosting town hall meetings to brief voters on the specifics.
If you can’t attend in person, the February 12 virtual meeting will be available online afterward, so you can get all the details from the comfort of your home.
So, what exactly is being proposed in this $67.9 million package, and how will it affect taxpayers? Let’s break it down.
The two-part proposal has one main goal: to upgrade the district’s facilities, giving students more space and access to modern learning tools.
With outdated roofs, cramped classrooms, and aging facilities, these schools need some serious TLC. But, of course, these improvements come at a cost.
Question 1 on the ballot covers a wide range of renovations and repairs across the district.
The focus here is on replacing or repairing roofs at key schools, including Willingboro High School, Memorial Middle School, James A. Cotten Intermediate School, and a few elementary schools.
These roofs are in dire need of attention. Alongside roof work, the proposal includes updates to science labs at the middle and high school levels, along with turning elementary school libraries into modern media hubs.
And for those of you with younger kids, the proposal calls for bathrooms to be installed in every preschool and kindergarten classroom—because, let’s face it, no one wants to walk down the hall for a bathroom break when you’re only 5 years old.
On top of that, the district wants to add gym annexes to elementary schools and improve safety around the parking lot at Garfield East Early Childhood Development Center.
The total cost for all these upgrades is around $49.7 million, but thankfully, the state has agreed to cover $21 million of it.
That means the remaining $28.7 million will come from local taxes, so you can expect your property tax bill to be affected if this passes.
Question 2 is a little different—it concerns adding a new, high-tech indoor track and basketball complex at Windover Lane, right next to the Country Club Administration building.
This venue would include a six-lane banked track, pole vaulting and long jumping areas, and two indoor basketball courts.
The proposed price tag is $18.2 million, but here’s the catch: There is no state aid here, so the entire cost would fall on local taxpayers.
The district hopes to offset some of the expense by renting the venue out and securing sponsorships, with the funds going toward supporting academic programs.
A new, state-of-the-art sports complex could bring in some extra cash, but it’s still a hefty price tag.
Here’s where things get real for residents. If Question 1 passes, homeowners with properties assessed at the district’s average value of $161,022 would see their taxes rise by about $14 per month.
Although, if both Question 1 and Question 2 are approved, that number jumps to roughly $23 per month for the same home.
For context, that’s a little more than a dinner for two but spread out over the year. For some, the extra $23 a month may feel like a small price to pay for upgraded schools.
For others, that added expense might feel more significant. Either way, every voter should carefully consider it before heading to the polls in March.
Assuming the referendum passes, the impact on property taxes will appear on bills starting in August 2026.
That means there’s a little time before the changes hit—but still, this will be a long-term financial commitment for the community.
That said, Question 2 will only pass if Question 1 is approved. In other words, voters will need to give the green light to both parts of the proposal to see that a new track and basketball complex have been built.
Thus, if you’re on board with the roof repairs and classroom upgrades but aren’t convinced about the sports facility, you’ll still have to vote ‘yes’ on both to get to the second part.
If the referendum passes, the district can provide better, safer, and more modern facilities that could improve the learning experience for everyone.
But with any major proposal, it’s also about weighing the cost against the benefit. How much will you pay in taxes to see these upgrades happen?
It’s a tricky balance, but ultimately, the choice is in the voters’ hands.
For those who want more information, the virtual town hall meeting on February 12 is a great opportunity to ask questions and get all the facts.
Whether you’re in favor of the changes or have concerns about the cost, now is the time to get informed and make your voice heard.
Willingboro’s schools could soon look very different—but whether or not that happens is up to you.
Get ready to cast your vote on March 11, and keep an eye on how the decision might impact your taxes in the years to come.
