Hillsborough residents have voted ‘yes’ in response to the special election on Dec. 10, regarding a school referendum that will provide funding for all nine district buildings.
Residents were called to answer a yes/no question that will allow $35.4 million in state aid to be allocated for repairs across the entire school district.
There was a total of 3,019 votes in favor of the referendum, while 1,337 votes were against it.
All election results are unofficial until certified.
The district will perform much needed projects for the schools while leveraging approximately 40% in state aid, according to the township.
This will also mean a $42 reduction in taxes for the average Hillsborough residence with a property value of $350,000.
According to Hillsborough residents at recent school board meetings, teachers, students and community members have mentioned leaky roofs, HVAC/air quality issues, and parking lots badly in need of resurfacing, among other problems.
If the referendum passed, the district will perform much needed projects while leveraging approximately 40% in state aid, according to the township.
All sample ballots that residents received in the mail read as follows:
“THE PROJECTS: In order to ensure a safe, healthy and secure learning environment and provide for facilities infrastructure needs, the Board is seeking to undertake district-wide facility improvements, including, as applicable, heating and ventilation replacement, electrical upgrades and emergency lighting system replacement, masonry improvements, stucco improvements, interior renovations and finishes replacement, roof replacement, asphalt repaving, sidewalk and curbing replacement, air conditioning in certain areas which are currently not air-conditioned, upgrade of security at all schools including secure entry and security vestibule improvements at an aggregate cost not to exceed $35,416,740.
“The Board anticipates financing the projects over a 20 year period.
“STATE FUNDING FOR THE PROJECTS
The State has agreed to contribute just over $14 million towards the costs of the $35.4 million project. All costs of the projects are available for the highest level of State funding. The State funding will be in the form of debt service aid. The State funding is only available if the Proposal is approved.”
For a complete list of projects at each of the district’s nine buildings, visit: www.htps.us/repair_replace_revive.