By Frank Sinatra, AAP Editor
On the 13th day of March, Pennsauken residents will have a say in the future of the Township’s public schools.
The Pennsauken School District is asking residents to consider a bond referendum that will make significant improvements to every public school throughout the Township, allocating almost $36 million for various initiatives, while actually reducing school taxes for Pennsauken households.
“The goal of the referendum is to simply increase the education opportunities offered both academically and vocationally to the students throughout Pennsauken Public Schools,” says Dr. Ronnie Tarchichi, superintendent, Pennsauken School District. “In addition, we want to increase the availability of athletic programs offered to our students; we also want to be competitive amongst all schools in South Jersey.”
These projects will impact every part of the District, including new security vestibules at all schools; capital improvements to elementary schools with new windows and doors; the establishment of all-day pre-school; the demolition of an aging Longfellow Elementary and the erection of a comprehensive community park and playground in the school’s old footprint; the addition of three new science labs and six additional classrooms at Phifer Middle School; the transformation of Roosevelt Elementary into a high-tech magnet high school, with the addition of a brand new gymnasium; and extensive renovations at Pennsauken High School, with improvements being made to the auditorium, library, locker rooms, and gymnasium; and construction of a plumbing lab. The proposal also adds significant improvements to the high school that will benefit the student-athlete. Plans call for the building of a brand new, state-of-the-art field house, new tennis courts, and an all purpose turf field, lights, and an eight-lane track.
“These changes will allow the Pennsauken School District to be a true powerhouse, providing a wide variety of opportunities for our students,” adds Tarchichi.
The timing of this referendum couldn’t be more beneficial, according to District officials. With the retirement of the bond debt from the building of Fine, Delair, and Intermediate schools, the proposed bond referendum will actually reduce school taxes. For example, a resident with an assessed home of approximately $140,000 will see a reduction of $11.06; these savings take into account both the comprehensive improvements and the District’s regular operating budget.
March 13 Voting Details
Polling locations will be open from 6:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Residents will vote in the same places they would for a general election. A list of polling locations can be found on page 13 of this edition. You can also locate your polling place by visiting https://voter.njsvrs.com/PublicAccess/jsp/PollPlace/PollPlaceSearch.jsp.
Ultimately, how residents vote is up to them. There is just one question that requires a vote of either “yes” or “no.”
For more information about the proposed bond referendum, video presentations, upcoming community meetings and more, visit GrowingPennsaukenSchools.com.
