All referendum projects are now complete! Again, a sincere thank you to the voters who supported the district’s bond referendum!
In November 2016, a majority of voters in the North Hunterdon-Voorhees Regional High School District Board of Education approved a referendum that includes the following projects to improve students’ learning environment and maintain safe facilities. Passage of the referendum will NOT cause an increase taxes.
THE PROJECTS:
All projects were presented as one question on the ballot, and all projects and costs received approval from the New Jersey Department of Education Office of School Facilities:
- Replacement of windows at North Hunterdon High School – the majority of the windows and components (about 13,500 square feet) would be replaced. Windows date back to 1957, 1968 and 1985.
- Replacement of all windows at Voorhees High School – all original windows and components (circa 1974) would be replaced.
- Renovations of the library/technology center at North Hunterdon High School – constructed in 1968, there have been no major renovations in nearly 50 years. Project includes new floor, ceiling, lighting, casework and furniture; area would be reconfigured to meet the needs of today’s technology savvy, collaborative students and staff, such as the addition of student media booths, interactive learning centers, conference and meeting rooms, with coordinating technology for these new areas. Click here to view new library design.
- Renovations of the library/technology center at Voorhees High School – constructed in 1974 with no major renovations in the last 42 years. Project includes new floor, ceiling, lighting, casework and furniture; area would be reconfigured to meet the needs of today’s technology savvy, collaborative students and staff, such as the addition of student media booths, interactive learning centers, conference and meeting rooms, with coordinating technology for these new areas. Click here to view new library design.
- Upgrades to HVAC (heating, ventilation, air conditioning) system at North Hunterdon High School – additions in 1950 and 1957, currently housing the social studies and world language classes, did not provide air conditioning. Existing HVAC unit would be replaced with new energy efficient unit which would provide air conditioning to 21 classrooms and ancillary spaces.
- Replacement of the stadium visitor bleachers with ADA upgrades at Voorhees High School – constructed in the 1970s, the bleachers and ADA ramp would be replaced with aluminum.
- Replacement of stadium visitor/band bleachers and tennis court bleachers at North Hunterdon High School – original bleachers, circa 1970s and 1980s, would be replaced with new, ADA compliant bleachers, permitting easier access for all spectators. In addition, a stairwell would be added next to the visitor bleachers down to the field.
- ADA accessibility to home stadium bleachers at Voorhees High School – new ramp system, seating and sidewalk installed to provide ADA compliant accessibility.
- Renovation of the athletic field house at North Hunterdon High School – constructed in 1950 – one of the oldest facilities in the district – this nearly 70-year old facility requires interior and exterior upgrades including roof, floors, windows, lighting, HVAC and restrooms.
Total Projected Cost Not to Exceed = $9,743,000.
THE FUNDING:
State Aid – Since the referendum was approved by voters, the high school district will receive 29.65% (or $2,888,800) annual Debt Service Aid from the State of New Jersey, which reduces the taxpayers’ share of annual debt service to 70.35% (or $6,854,200). To fund the referendum package, the district will obtain 15-year level annual debt service school bonds.
Referendum will not increase taxes – The state aid, combined with the district’s retiring debt from the 2001 bond referendum (refinanced in 2009), will result in no tax increase in any of the 12 communities in the regional district.