Somers Point School District Seeks Voter Approval to Capture $1.9 Million in State Aid with Tax Neutral Referendum

The Somers Point Board of Education will hold a bond referendum on the General Election ballot Tuesday, Nov. 4. If voters approve, the referendum would fund $5.6 million in improvements and would receive $1.9 million in state aid. The projects would be completed with no tax increase to Somers Point homeowners and businesses.

A tax neutral proposal is possible because a previous referendum is being paid off, and the proposed referendum payments would pick up where the previous ones leave off.

“Our schools have deep roots in our community, and we work hard to provide a healthy, secure and modern environment that supports learning and growth for every student,” said Superintendent of Schools Ted Pugliese. “The Somers Point Board of Education strategically planned this referendum to address priority projects that could be completed with no tax increase to residents.”

Below is a brief overview; the full scope of proposed projects and why the district is planning a bond referendum are available on a dedicated website.

Jordan Road School:

• $4.3 million in improvements
• Projects to expand the preschool program, increase security and accessibility, enhance efficiency and update the building
• Tax Neutral – no increase to taxes

Dawes Avenue School:

• $1.2 million in improvements to increase security, safety and accessibility, enhance efficiency and update the building
• Tax Neutral – no increase to taxes

Board Offices at New York Avenue:

• $75 thousand in improvements to enhance efficiency and strengthen the building
• Tax Neutral – no increase to taxes

Residents are encouraged to visit the referendum website, for project details, how to vote, and funding information.

In the weeks and months leading up to the vote, the district will send a postcard to every home in the community and hold information forums on October 1 (6 p.m. at Jordan Road School) and October 28 (7 p.m. via Zoom) that will include an opportunity for members of the community to ask questions.

Residents can also send questions about the bond referendum to [email protected].