Rahway Board of Ed September Referendum
The Rahway Board of Education is preparing a bond referendum for vote in a September 2021 special election. The district is seeking approval for comprehensive building upgrades, renovations and capital improvements to essential building systems in each of the district’s six schools.
The referendum plan calls for upgrades and improvements in major areas addressing critical capital needs, security, essential building systems and site improvements. District schools will undergo some form of improvement such as window and door replacements, roof replacements (Madison and Franklin Elementary Schools), restroom renovations, unit ventilator and boiler modifications, public address and clock systems to name a few. A security vestibule addition is also planned for the 7th & 8th grade Academy. Hazardous material abatement will be conducted at all schools while several schools will also undergo site improvements including stairs, sidewalks, ramps and parking. Playground improvements are also expected at Grover Cleveland and Franklin Elementary Schools.
Projects of this magnitude typically exceed a school district’s annual operating budget cap and are put to a vote in a bond referendum. While the proposed project comes at a hefty price tag, the district expects approximately 43 percent debt service from the State. This aid will only be available to Rahway with a referendum approval. The remaining balance of the project costs will be funded by local taxpayers.
Presentations by the district’s architect in February and March of this year detailed the project need, scope, tax impact and construction schedule assuming a successful referendum vote.
The district has dedicated a section of its website to various referendum postings including PowerPoint presentations prepared by the district’s architect, press releases and news clippings, frequently asked questions and more. These will be updated periodically so residents are asked to check back for the latest information. The website can be found at rahway.net.
