Stockton voters OK $542,306 for school repairs

The vote was almost two to one in favor of spending the money.

By: Linda Seida
   STOCKTON — By more than two to one, voters Tuesday approved the Stockton Borough School’s referendum asking for permission to spend $542,306 to repair the historic three-room schoolhouse.
   The final tally was 124-51, including four yes absentee ballots and one no absentee ballot.
   Board of Education President Rick McDaniel said he was overwhelmed as he walked through town to a party held in celebration of the victory.
   "As in the past 175 years, the people of Stockton have stepped up to the plate and done not only what needed to be done for the building, but for the kids," Mr. McDaniel said.
   "We will celebrate tonight, but tomorrow it’s time to get to work," Superintendent Suzanne Ivans said. "I’m just very pleased and now excited to roll up our sleeves and get to the next phase."
   The approval from voters means the school now can make a number of repairs to the aging structure that educates children in kindergarten through sixth grade. It’s the oldest continuously operating three-room school in the state, and it’s listed on both the national and state historic registers.
   Time has taken a toll on the building. The foundation and clapboard siding need repair, and so do ramps and a set of stairs. Inside, a deteriorating brick chimney needs to be removed, attic walls need strengthening, and a mechanical room wall also needs repair.
   The final cost to taxpayers is uncertain.
   The school has applied for a $250,000 grant from the New Jersey Historic Trust that could lessen taxpayers’ share of the burden.
   Also, last week the state said 100 percent of the school’s construction costs are eligible to earn a 40 percent debt reduction, or reimbursement, according to Ms. Ivans.
   At best, if the school wins the grant and gets the reimbursement from the state, taxpayers would be responsible for $175,384. That would mean a property tax increase of $64 for the owner of a house assessed at the borough average of $166,433.
   At worst, if the school wins neither the grant nor any reimbursement from the state, taxpayers would shoulder the entire burden. That would mean a property take hike of $197 for the average homeowner.
   If just the grant or just the reimbursement is awarded, the average homeowner would see his property tax bill rise by $118.