By Peter Elacqua
Staff Writer
MARLBORO – Voters rejected a $26.3 million construction referendum that the Marlboro K-8 School District Board of Education placed before them on Nov. 8.
According to results posted online by the Monmouth County Clerk’s Office, the referendum question was defeated by a count of 9,638 no votes to 8,453 yes votes. The result is unofficial until it is certified by the county.
The referendum proposed infrastructure upgrades at the Marlboro Middle School, the Asher Holmes Elementary School, the Marlboro Elementary School, the Robertsville Elementary School, the Frank Defino Central Elementary School and the Frank J. Dugan Elementary School.
The project would have included windows, fire alarm systems, temperature control panels, heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems, electrical boards, feeders, boilers, pumps, switchboards and electric generators, according to information provided by the board.
No projects were proposed at the Marlboro Memorial Middle School or at the David C. Abbott Early Learning Center.
In the wake of the referendum’s defeat, board president Debbie Mattos said, “I am disappointed our referendum for necessary repairs and upgrades to our school district was defeated.
“I am confident that with this slim defeat of approximately 55 percent to 45 percent and in continuing to educate the community of these necessary changes, we will continue as a board to maintain our infrastructures and do whatever is necessary to maintain the safety of our buildings for our students and staff.
“These upgrades and repairs will ultimately be required in the near future and without a passing referendum they will be at a much higher price and most likely without a 40 percent state contribution. Discussions will certainly continue at our public board meetings. We ask the community to stay aware and involved. Questions and comments are always welcomed,” Mattos said.
Also on Nov. 8, voters elected Robert Daniel, Dara Enny and Randy Heller to three-year terms on the board. The terms will begin in January. Enny won her second term.
Daniel received 9,283 votes, Heller received 9,091 votes and Enny received 8,962 votes, according to results posted online by the county clerk’s office.
The terms held by Michael Lilonsky and Victoria Dean will end on Dec. 31 and neither chose to run for re-election.
“Although the board will be losing two dedicated members who served for many years, we are looking forward to working with our newest members, Randy Heller and Robert Daniel, and our sitting board member, Dara Enny,” Mattos said. “I am confident they will do their best and work tirelessly for the betterment of our school district.”