The first ballot question is focused on updating and repairing Somerville’s facilities, so they are safe and efficient for students and staff and match the high-caliber education and extracurricular activities at all three district schools.

If Question 1 is approved by voters, there will be a net tax DECREASE.

Somerville High School

Renovate five science labs that are original to the 1970s building.
Renovate the auditorium to be a state-of-the-art space for student performances and community events.

Somerville Middle School

Add a new security vestibule and ADA lift for enhanced security and accessibility, similar to the security vestibules at the high school. All three district schools will have the security features our community values.
Partial replacement of limited roof sections.
Add air conditioning and replace heating and ventilation systems in the auditorium and gymnasium to provide year-round comfort and energy efficiency. This is part of the district’s goal to gradually air condition more spaces in all three schools to provide comfortable learning environments and better ventilation.

Van Derveer Elementary School

Add a new security vestibule and office in the existing lobby for enhanced security – giving all three district schools the security features that our community values.
Renovate the multipurpose room to replace aging finishes past their useful life.
Add a new steel storage building to replace the current storage containers and to house athletic equipment and facilities storage needs for the fields located at Van Derveer.
Create a multi-sport turf field to serve the whole community, including field hockey, lacrosse, baseball, soccer, softball, baseball and football.
- New underground drainage/basin and grading.
- Also new fencing, bleachers, scoreboard, dugouts, bullpen, and warning tracks.

Somerville Public Schools

What is a bond referendum?

What brought Somerville to this point?

When did the district receive approval from the state Department of Education?

Why did the district choose to hold a referendum on March 11?

What is planned for the community to learn more?

What projects are included in the first ballot question?

What projects are included in the second ballot question?

How does the referendum benefit student learning?

How will the High School science lab updates benefit all students?

How would the High School auditorium renovations impact the entire community?

How is the district prioritizing security by installing security vestibules?

Why is air conditioning needed in the auditorium and gymnasium at Somerville Middle School?

How will a synthetic turf multi-sport field at Van Derveer benefit the entire district and community?

How would this plan address drainage at the turf multi-sport field?

What are the benefits of the athletics facility in Question 2?

How will the Van Derveer playground be updated with funds outside of the referendum process?

What if enrollment increases and the district needs space in the future?

What is the estimated cost of these improvements?

What is state aid, and how does it offset the tax impact in Somerville?

What would the impact be on my property taxes?

What is the difference between the assessed value and market value of a home?

What does net tax impact mean?

What is the length of the bond?

Would Branchburg residents pay taxes for the referendum?

Why aren’t these projects covered by the annual budget?

What happens if the project costs are lower than estimated?

What happens if the project costs are higher than estimated?

When would the district know the interest rate of the bonds?

Who can vote in the bond referendum?

How can I vote in person?

What if I am turned away at the polls?

How can I Vote By Mail?

How can senior citizens "freeze" their property taxes?