A $22.3 million referendum that proposed improvements to Monmouth Regional High School, Tinton Falls, has been approved by voters.
The total vote on the Nov. 6 referendum was 6,894 “yes” votes to 5,151 “no” votes, according to results posted online by the Monmouth County Clerk’s Office. The results are unofficial until they are certified by the county.
A collective majority from the three constituent towns in the regional school district – Tinton Falls, Shrewsbury Township and Eatontown – passed the referendum vote.
Voters in Tinton Falls approved the referendum, 4,424 to 3,362. Voters in Shrewsbury Township approved the referendum, 192 to 119. Voters in Eatontown approved the referendum, 2,278 to 1,670.
The work proposed in the referendum includes the replacement of the high school’s original boilers from the 1960s with energy efficient units; window replacement; improvements to the floors of two classrooms that are “sinking;” the installation of air conditioning units; and roof mounted solar panels will be installed to provide sustainable energy, according to district administrators.
Also planned are renovations to the high school’s athletic fields, the construction of a third gymnasium to accommodate enrollment; the replacement of electrical panels with efficient panels; the replacement of the performing arts center curtain and the removal of existing stage lights, to be replaced with LED lights.
Finally, the installation of bathrooms in the exterior of the performing arts center; the installation of a district-wide control system to manage energy efficiency; and the partial replacement of the high school’s roof which was installed 20 years ago, according to district administrators.
The school district is eligible for up to 40 percent of debt service aid that would help finance a portion of the cost.
The renovations and improvements to the athletic fields, and the installation of solar panels will not qualify for debt service aid, according to district administrators.
With debt service aid included, the total cost of the referendum could decrease by almost $4.9 million to about $17.49 million, district administrators said.
The tax levy for each sending municipality is based on the percent of share. The enrollment rate and the equalized value of each town will determine the tax levy for each of the three municipalities in the regional school district, district administrators said.