Our community faces an important decision next month that could reshape education infrastructure across Egg Harbor Township — and it won't cost taxpayers an extra penny.
On Tuesday, March 10, registered voters will decide whether to approve a $36 million bond referendum to fund significant renovations and improvements at six local schools. The vote takes place from noon to 8 p.m., with mail-in ballot applications due by March 3.
What makes this proposal particularly noteworthy is the district's commitment to complete these projects without raising the tax rate. According to Daniel Smith, school district business administrator and board secretary, the timing works in taxpayers' favor as bond debt from 2004 comes off the books just as new debt would be added.
State Aid Lightens the Load
The financial strategy relies heavily on state support. Of the total $35,975,178 referendum amount, New Jersey will contribute $8,042,699 in debt service aid — covering 22.42% of the overall package. For eligible portions of the project, the state is picking up 46.36% of the cost.
Smith explained that holding the vote in March rather than waiting until November maximizes available state aid and keeps the debt service tax levy consistent at approximately $5.4 million through fiscal year 2030. The average taxpayer currently pays about $277 annually on the debt service tax levy, and that figure is projected to remain steady before dropping to around $125 in fiscal year 2031.
Where the Money Goes
Slaybaugh Primary School represents the largest investment at $17,035,162, primarily for a 14-classroom addition. This expansion would allow the district to relocate preschool programs currently housed in leased space at Bargaintown Preschool, ultimately freeing up funds for other instructional needs.
Joseph Marinelli, principal of Slaybaugh Primary and Bargaintown Preschool, noted that parents specifically requested full-day preschool options during the district's strategic planning process. The new addition makes that vision financially sustainable.
Egg Harbor Township High School would receive $7,990,465 for HVAC system upgrades, weight room improvements, and athletic field enhancements. Principal Jacki Carugno emphasized plans to maintain what she called "the premier athletic complex in the county" through improved drainage, paving, and irrigation.
Fernwood Avenue Middle School is slated for $7,494,224 in improvements, including replacing the original chiller, renovating the auditorium with new flooring, seating, and sound systems, and converting locker rooms into smaller facilities plus three additional classrooms.
The remaining schools would receive targeted upgrades: Alder Avenue Middle School ($1,196,250) would replace a deteriorating membrane roof with one expected to last 30 years. Swift Elementary School ($1,192,309) would similarly upgrade its gravel roof and complete safety repairs to boiler room infrastructure. Dr. Joyanne D. Miller Elementary School ($1,066,768) would convert media center space into four small group instruction classrooms for differentiated learning.
Learn More Before You Vote
Community members can attend a town hall meeting at 6 p.m. Monday, February 23, at Alder Avenue Middle School to ask questions and hear detailed presentations. The meeting will also be live-streamed on the district website for those who cannot attend in person.
The district has created a comprehensive referendum website featuring FAQs, presentations, videos from officials, project details, and a sample ballot. Smith expects the complete project timeline to span three to four years from the vote until final completion.
It's important to note that referendum funds can only be used for capital projects — not salaries or supplies. This is a straightforward yes or no vote that will determine whether our schools receive these much-needed upgrades while maintaining fiscal responsibility to taxpayers.
The special election will cost the district approximately $40,000, though actual expenses are expected to come in lower. Only registered Egg Harbor Township residents are eligible to vote.
