Bond Referendum Update

As we approach Election Day on November 3, we want to provide our community with a reminder regarding the upcoming school facilities bond referendum. With just two weeks until the vote, here is a quick overview of what is on the ballot and why it matters for our schools and taxpayers.

Following a comprehensive evaluation of all six school buildings in the district, the Flemington-Raritan Regional School District is proposing a $30.3 million facilities referendum. The State-approved $30,320,944 project is backed by 40% state debt service aid and targets two essential areas across all six district buildings.

• Priority 1 allocates approximately $16.34 million toward essential infrastructure upgrades, including structural repairs, exterior building protection, and foundational security measures needed to preserve district facilities.

• Priority 2 designates roughly $15.13 million for facility modernization, focusing on classroom refreshes, site and playground enhancements, and updating shared learning spaces.

As voters consider this initiative, it is helpful to understand how it differs from past measures:

• Last Year’s Operational Referendum: This was an operating budget referendum designed to fund day-to-day expenses such as staffing and educational programs.

• The November 3 Referendum: This is a bond referendum that authorizes borrowing exclusively for long-term capital facility projects without increasing the operating budget.

• Tax Decrease for All: Since our older school facility debt is expiring and being replaced by a smaller amount of new debt, TAXPAYERS WILL SEE A DECREASE in their debt service tax levy if voters pass the referendum.