$4.1 Million In School Renovations Up For A Vote In Long Valley

LONG VALLEY, NJ — An upcoming bond referendum will give Washington residents the chance to weigh in on four school infrastructure projects.

The bond, which will benefit two district schools with various upgrades and repairs, is expected to come at zero additional cost to the taxpayers, superintended Jeff Mohre said. The $4.17 million project would be financed using a $1.67 million state grant, as well as funds from the school board's capital reserve. A state grant would come in as a debt service aid to offset about 40% of the project costs and then would be combined with existing funds from the capital reserve account to satisfy the debt.

The project, based on expert estimates, is not projected to cost additional tax dollars.

"By using this funding strategy, the Board’s bonding counsel anticipates no tax impact ($0) to community members. The grant monies the district would receive are only available to school districts that enter into debt service based on a successful school bond referendum vote," Mohre said.

If approved, the following projects will be completed at Old Farmers Road Elementary School: heating and ventilation improvements including air-conditioning and humidity control measures; electrical service upgrades; and a partial roof replacement. Long Valley Middle School would see a partial roof replacement as well.

District officials are looking to complete the renovations over the summer, when school is not in session.

A special election will be held on Tuesday, January 28. Polls will be open between 6 a.m. and 8 p.m.

Residents can learn more about the proposal at several upcoming meetings: Monday December 9; Monday January 6, and Monday January 13 at 7:00 pm inside the Long Valley Middle School Media Center. There will also be a presentation by the school board’s architect on January 7th as part of the regularly scheduled Board of Education meeting set for 7:30 pm at Long Valley Middle School.