From renovated science labs to security vestibules, every student in Somerville would be impacted by the referendum.
Somerville Public Schools is encouraging all Somerville residents to vote on Tuesday, March 11. Residents can vote at either Van Derveer Elementary School or Somerville High School from 6 a.m. - 8 p.m. Vote By Mail ballots must be postmarked for return or dropped in a mailbox by that day.
Somerville residents will consider two ballot questions that, if approved by voters, would benefit every student in the district. The first ballot question would touch all three schools, bringing new security vestibules to Somerville Middle School and Van Derveer Elementary School, a multi-sport turf field to Van Derveer Elementary School, renovated science labs to Somerville High School, a state-of-the-art auditorium to match the caliber of performances at Somerville High School, and much more.
The second ballot question would transform Somerville High School with a new 24,000-square-foot athletics building featuring a full-size gymnasium and support spaces, including a new athletic training facility, team locker rooms, concession stand, and Hall of Fame area. This space would expand and enhance athletic opportunities for every student, as well as the community and recreation programs who want to use the space.
“There is truly something in this plan for everyone in Somerville,” said Superintendent Gary Lubisco, Jr. “This referendum is about enhancing our school facilities to continue providing Somerville students with the best possible academic, athletic, and performing arts spaces. The projects included in this referendum were carefully chosen to maximize state aid and benefit current and future students.”
If Somerville residents approve both questions, the state has promised to pay $7.3 million toward the $44 million referendum. This is money that Somerville residents and all other New Jersey residents paid to the state through taxes. Only communities that approve a bond referendum can access that specific type of state aid.
The referendum also coincides with the district nearing the end of payments from debt from previous referenda. By timing the debt payoff with the March 11 referendum, taxpayers in Somerville can expect:
If Question 1 is approved by voters, the owner of an average assessed home in Somerville would see a net tax DECREASE of $12 per month.
If Questions 1 and 2 are approved by voters, the owner of an average assessed home in Somerville would see a net tax INCREASE of $14 per month.
Residents can learn more about the referendum by visiting somervilleschools.org/page/vote. Questions can also be directed to vote@somervilleschools.org.