MONTVALE—Mayor Michael Ghassali has thrown his personal support behind a nearly $30 million school bond referendum vote to be held Dec. 14 to upgrade the borough’s middle and elementary schools.
On Nov. 8, he wrote residents with his endorsement, saying “numerous developments in town will likely help to offset much of this cost for taxpayers.”
The mayor, a two-term Republican, said, “I believe that these improvements to our schools are a necessary investment in our town and in our children’s futures.”
The district’s Dec. 14 ballot referendum asks voters to approve borrowing $29.4 million, with state aid likely to reduce that by approximately $7.2 million, said officials.
On Montvale’s average home ($524,788), the district estimates a cost of about $27 monthly, or $325 per year for 25 years.
District officials note the last major school renovations were made decades ago, with “facilities and systems aging to the point of inefficiency.”
The $29.4 million referendum will upgrade HVAC systems, including new boilers to replace 60-year-old boilers, plus security upgrades, fire systems and bathroom renovations.
The board’s referendum website notes local enrollment is projected to continue rising and the bond funding will add five new classrooms at Memorial Elementary and existing space would be renovated for better uses at Fieldstone Middle School.
Moreover, the bond funding would help redesign space at both schools to create STEAM labs that blend concepts of science, technology, engineering, art and math with dedicated lab space.
Ghassali’s endorsement comes with a sweetener to entice taxpayers to approve the schools’ upgrade.
“Over the past few years Montvale has seen a significant amount of development which will generate additional tax revenue and help offset the cost of anticipated school improvements,” noted Ghassali.
He lists five major developments that are planned to be completed within two years that he says have the potential to generate an additional $2.7 million per year in property tax revenue:
- A senior living facility at 110 Summit Avenue to add about $400,000 in property tax;
- A senior living facility at 100 Summit Avenue to add about $300,000 in property tax;
- A mixed use development at 1 and 3 Mercedes Dr. to add about $1 million in property tax; • A townhome development at 2 Paragon Dr. to add $400,000 in property tax; and
- Sony Drive, projected at $600,000 in property taxes.
The district hire Laura Bishop Communications LLC of Cherry Hill for up to $ 50,000 to help enhance outreach to residents. The firm has put together a referendum website at montvalek8.org/future and a video featuring superintendent Dr. Darren Petersen and board president Ernie DiFiore on where bond funding will go and the district’s rationale.
DiFiore says in part, “Let me be clear: A bond referendum is part of a smart financial strategy. It can provide funding for necessary building improvements and spread the cost over time. Bond funding also makes the school district eligible for a special type of school aid available only for projects funded through a referendum that voters approve.”
He adds, “The proposal includes key maintenance items that would take years to complete under our regular budgets such as upgrading boilers and replacing unit ventilators that bring heat and fresh air into the buildings.”
He said the bond funds would pay for new heating and cooling systems and the new systems would take over when window air conditioning units no longer function.
Also, restroom renovations at both schools and an outdoor standalone restroom near the recreational field at Fieldstone will be added.
District officials presented to the governing body on Nov. 9 and held a virtual information session, gathering feedback, on Nov. 10.