Sparta planning school bond referendum vote for September. What it means
SPARTA − A bond referendum vote to build an addition to the Alpine Elementary School, upgrade science labs in the high school and make upgrades to heating/air conditioning/electrical at other district buildings is planned for Sept. 16, district officials said.
Approval for the vote is expected this month from the state Department of Education as well as final numbers on the amount of state aid the projects will get and formally set the date for district voters.
Because that state approval is not finalized, the district created a website (sparta.org/vote) which has preliminary information, but no financial numbers, on the projects. The site will be updated when the state's approval is received.
'Our schools are an important part of the Sparta community – people move here for the schools and the small community feel,' explained Superintendent Matthew Beck. 'This bond referendum would help us improve our schools to give our current and future students a place they can thrive academically and socially.'
If the bond referendum gets voter approval, the biggest project will be an addition to Alpine Elementary School to address overcrowding. Currently, the school provides needed classroom space in trailers on school property.
The high school would also see improvements to its science laboratories and there will be HVAC and electrical upgrades, as well as roofing and window replacements, in other schools to improve building efficiency and conditions.
By state law, school bond referendum votes may only be held on specific dates in January, March, September, December or at the November General Election.
The district said that by holding a vote in September, the district will have time to finalize project plans and solicit and receive bids, then act on those contracts in time for work to begin in late spring.
This article originally appeared on New Jersey Herald: Sparta planning school bond referendum vote for September
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