Video: Proposed renovations to the Morris Plains Borough School
The Morris Plains School District says the 93-year-old Borough School is in bad shape, and the school board is asking voters to approve a $6.2 million referendum to fund repairs.
Polls will be open in the school’s auditorium on Tuesday, Sept. 27, 2016, from 3:30 pm to 9 pm.
Two questions are on the ballot, and if they pass, 40 percent of the cost will be absorbed by the state. The impact on local taxpayers will be $3.72 million.
For someone owning a home with the average assessed value of $450,000, this would amount to an estimated $115 annual property tax increase.
This is the first school referendum in Morris Plains since 2002.
Question 1 calls for new windows and blinds, new classroom lighting (LED), new hallway flooring, new exterior metal doors/ frames, and partial roof replacement.
Question 2 would support an ADA compliant (handicap accessible/barrier free) renovation project to the auditorium at Borough School.
Factoids from the district:
- Borough School was built in 1923.
- In 1958, the Speedwell wing and main office area was added.
- 40% State Aid. Of the $6.2M borrowed (if both questions pass), only $3.72M is passed on to the taxpayers. The state will cover $2.48M. We will only get state aid if the referendum passes.
- Lowest interest rate in 55 years (15 year loan/3% interest).
- Estimated $115.00 property tax increase for average home value of $450,000.
- Anyone on senior freeze will not see a tax impact.
- Energy efficiency projects at Borough School will cut energy costs by 50%.
- Most windows date back to the early-mid 1900’s.
- Morris Plains School District is one of the three highest performing districts in the county (Per PARCC performance).
- Morris Plains School District identified as “High Performing” by the New Jersey Department of Education.
- Most listed homes in the last 6-9 months have sold above the asking price.
A more comprehensive breakdown of the spending proposal is here. See the video above for highlights.
