Cinnaminson votes down $76M school bond for upgrades, new classrooms and stadium
Cinnaminson decides $76M school bond plan
Cinnaminson residents are deciding on major school upgrades, including new classrooms and repairs. Tax impact could top $500 per year if both questions pass.
CINNAMINSON, N.J. - Residents of Cinnaminson voted down a two-question bond referendum that proposed $76M in upgrades and new classrooms for the township's five public schools on Tuesday.
What was on the ballot
What we know:
The referendum was split into two questions.
Question 1 sought approval to raise $57.7 million for improvements at all five schools, including roof upgrades, new HVAC systems, added classroom space at Eleanor Rush and New Albany, security camera expansion, and the creation of esports and robotics labs.
Question 2 proposed $18.3 million for additional projects, such as new classrooms at Memorial School, a new gym at Eleanor Rush, and high school stadium complex upgrades including a new turf field and concession building.
"We’re looking to bring 20 new classrooms to the district, 8 at our K-2 School, 8 at our 3-5 School and 6 new classrooms here at Memorial School," Superintendent of Cinnaminson Public Schools Steven Cappello said before the vote.
By the numbers:
If both questions had passed, the average Cinnaminson homeowner (assessed at $236,538) would see a school tax increase of approximately $47 per month, or $560 annually, according to district financial advisors.
Specifically, annual tax impacts were estimated at $399.68 for Question 1 and $160.66 for Question 2.
State debt service aid would cover up to 40% of approved costs, with $16.8 million earmarked for Question 1 and $1.1 million for Question 2, reducing the local share and taking advantage of funds Cinnaminson residents have already contributed at the state level.
Addressing urgent facility and classroom needs
Many school facilities face urgent needs after years of patchwork fixes.
"We’ve done sort of the small things to try to put band-aids on larger problems, some outdoor classrooms and temporary learning cottage units, and now we’re looking at brick and mortar solution to address our size issues, and we’re also looking to address some infrastructure issues, HVAC systems roofs," said Superintendent Cappello.
District information outlines that roofing and HVAC systems at several schools have reached the end of their useful lifespan, with leaking roofs and outdated heating and cooling leading to higher costs and less reliable service.
More classroom space is also needed to support pre-kindergarten and address a growing student population after a 24 percent district population increase.
The Source: This article contains information from Cinnaminson Township School District materials, a public referendum website, and live and recorded statements from Cinnaminson Superintendent Steven Cappello as well as Cinnaminson resident Brian Alwinger.