001media and public >> notes were posted and the meeting was advertised county Democrat encou >> here >> Mrs. Fiory >> here >> Mr. Lopes >> here >> Miss Spencer Mr. Pieros >> Mrs. Stra >> here >> Mrs. Ryan >> here >> Mr. Mr. Deinto >> here. >> Mr. Rizzo >> here to stand to the flag of the United States of America [Music] nation indivisibley and justice for all. Good evening everyone. Uh as way of introduction uh what I'd like to do is for the first time at a public board meeting I want to show our referendum video and then I will introduce Dr. Higgins. Uh the video was uh developed with uh consultant Cartoon Edu and we are the first school district in New Jersey to actually use their services in developing a video like
002this. Um and we'll show it at the board meeting tonight and my plan is to send out a newsletter on Friday, referendum newsletter that includes the video and we can post it around the district on our website and on uh social media. So this should kick off our presentation tonight. Readington Township has a unique opportunity this fall to unlock millions of dollars in state funds while using some, but not all of its expiring debt to fund a net zero tax levy that will upgrade our schools. It's a bond referendum you'll find on your ballot in the general election on November 4th. This video series has important information we want to share about the referendum, our goals for the projects, and how we propose to pay for it. November's referendum is 83 separate projects spread across
003each of our four school buildings. From physical improvements like roofs, electrical, and HVAC systems to educational improvements like classroom and media center upgrades to community improvements like updates to our elementary playgrounds, athletic fields, and middle school traffic. The referendum is a chance to address decades of capital improvements at once with the state committing to picking up more than a third of the cost. In addition to more than $12 million in state funding support, we see three key benefits. It starts with enhancing our students experience. The improvements to our buildings will allow us to improve instruction, including renovated media centers and smartboards to a life skills room. Even things like new windows that can make our classrooms foster a more active, engaged learning environment. The improvements will also update our physical facilities because we know students
004can't learn unless they feel safe, comfortable, and can safely access what they need. For safety, we'll upgrade doors, locks, and communication systems to meet the latest school safety standards along with electrical and HVAC improvements to aging systems that can make our buildings healthier, more comfortable, and more efficient, while improving accessibility to spots like walkways and playgrounds so that everyone can be included at school. Some of these improvements will also bring our buildings up to the latest code requirements, which are expenses we know we'll need to cover that we can include now with the state's help. Here's what the referendum will cost and how we propose to pay for them. The 83 projects total just over $38 million in improvements. If Readington voters approve, $12.4 million would be covered through state aid, leaving about $25.5 million
005to be financed locally. Because Readington has debt expiring in 2027, we can replace some, but not all of this debt with a new expenditure at a net zero tax levy, resulting in a net tax savings of $17 on the average home, which is valued at about $452,000. The bond referendum question will appear on the general election ballot on November 4th. To participate, you must register to vote by October 14th, 2025. You may then vote in person at your designated polling station on the day of the election or request a mail-in ballot to vote by mail or dropbox in advance. And to dig into the details, finances, and benefits of all 83 projects in the bond referendum, navigate to the Readington referendum page on our website or by scanning this QR code which will take you
006to the page. [Music] It's so cool, right? It's everything you need to know three minutes or something like that. Um, so I'm excited to launch this come Friday and send it out in the newsletter. Um, and I I I think that it gives you all the information you need. Anybody that has seen the video previous to tonight is always great. This is a great product. to um to launch. And at this time, I'd like to introduce Dr. Kristen Higgins, the principal of Free Bridges. She will lead us on our tour. >> So, we have a tour. Everybody ready to get up and move? I will highlight the items that's part of the referendum and some other items that we're going to be able to address with other items.