Mayor Mahr, Council Hear Presentation on School Bond Referendum

The Borough Council heard a presentation on Monday night on the upcoming bond referendum election by the Board of Education to be held Tuesday, September 17th, from 2 to 8 pm.

Scotch Plains-Fanwood Board of Education Schools Superintendent Dr. Joan Mast and Business Administrator Chris Jones delivered an 80-minute presentation, which included a short video and a slide presentation. Comments were taken both online and in-person.

Dr. Mast said during the initial strategic planning process, 330 South Avenue, a building that was previously owned by the district and which had been operating as a school for children with disabilities, became available. She said the district has a current student population of 5,752, over the district’s maximum of 4,680 students.

Dr. Mast said the referendum has two questions. The first is for the purchase and renovation of 330 South Avenue, with the second question for air conditioning, electrical and fire system upgrades district-wide. The first question must pass in order for the second question to pass.

Jones said the purchase and upgrades to the new school in question 1 would cost $81 million. He said if the cost is under the $81 million, the $40 per month tax impact for Fanwood residents would be reduced. He noted that the district cannot exceed the amount requested. He said the new school would have 500 students.

On a question from Mayor Mahr regarding the impact of bussing of students, Jones said it is estimated that there will be one or two bus routes for LaGrande School in addition to special education buses.

Jones said if the questions pass the district would receive $3.5 million if the first question passes and $15 million if both questions pass.

Dr. Mast said should the referendum pass, it might be more efficient to do a complete rebuild as opposed to renovating the South Avenue building due to a lower than expected amount in state aid for 330 South Avenue.

Important upcoming dates on the referendum are: Tuesday, August 27, Voter registration deadline; Tuesday, September 10, vote by mail application due; Tuesday, September 17, vote-by-mail ballots must be postmarked and in-person voting open from 2-8 pm.

Joanne Muoio, of Beach Avenue, questioned the proposed entrance to the South Avenue school. Jones said due to the volume of cars for drop-offs and pickups of children, traffic would enter from LaGrande Avenue and exit onto South Avenue.

Carol Walczuk of Chetwood Terrace asked about the impact affordable housing has had on the increase in student population in the district. Mayor Mahr said the borough has not seen a large impact in the student population from the borough’s 30 affordable units.

For information on the bond referendum click on the link https://sites.google.com/spfk12.org/future/home See the presentation by clicking on this link https://www.facebook.com/fanwoodnewjersey/videos/1231980544635129

In other business, the council approved a resolution for a professional services agreement with T&M Associates of Bloomfield to provide engineering services for the remainder of the year.

During committee reports, Councilwoman Patricia Walsh noted that Great American Birdhouse Contest, run by the Environmental Commission, begins Thursday, August 15 and ends Saturday, September 7. There is a flyer on the borough’s website in addition to the Friday e-newsletter.

Captions:

Scotch Plains-Fanwood Board of Education Schools Superintendent Dr. Joan Mast discusses the September 17bond referendum at Monday’s borough council meeting.

Scotch Plains-Fanwood Board of Education Schools Superintendent Business Administrator Chris Jones discusses the September 17 bond referendum at Monday’s borough council meeting.