School hallway - File Photo by Dreamstime

Manahawkin, N.J. – The Stafford Township School District is inviting community members to participate in an upcoming bond referendum information forum on Wednesday, Aug. 28, at 7 p.m. The forum will be held at the Stafford Township Arts Center, located at 1000 McKinley Avenue, Manahawkin, and will be available in both virtual and in-person formats to accommodate the preferences of all residents.

The forum is part of the district’s efforts to inform the community about the upcoming bond referendum scheduled for Sept. 17. The referendum seeks approval for a $75.7 million bond that would fund significant improvements across all district buildings. These include an addition to support growing enrollment, updates to fire systems, upgrades to heating and cooling systems for better reliability and efficiency, increased accessibility features, and critical interior renovations.

The proposed projects are eligible for $15.9 million in state aid, which would help reduce the financial burden on local taxpayers. If approved, the referendum would result in a tax increase of approximately $22 per month for a home assessed at the township average of $294,141.

The forum will feature presentations from the district’s architect and financial adviser, as well as insights from district staff members who will explain the potential benefits of the bond funding. Community members attending the session, whether in person or online, will have the opportunity to submit questions and engage in discussions about the bond referendum.

“We hope Stafford Township residents will join us for the information sessions. Learning how the bond referendum would benefit our district and community is a key component to voting on Sept. 17,” said Superintendent of Schools George Chidiac. “Investing in the district that has served our children for generations is an investment in the future of our community.”

For those unable to attend in person, a Zoom link for the virtual session is available at staffordschools.org/vote, and a recording of the forum will be posted on the website afterward.

Additionally, community members are invited to a walk-through of Oxycocus Elementary School on Monday, August 26, at 9 a.m. District administrators and staff will be on hand to discuss how the proposed improvements could benefit the school and the broader community.

Residents are encouraged to participate in these events to stay informed about the bond referendum and its potential impact on the Stafford Township School District.

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