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News Release from the Pennsville Board of Education
For Immediate Release

Contact:
Dr. Mark Jones, Superintendent of Schools
(856) 540-6200 ext. 1118
mjones@psdnet.org

Pennsville Board of Education Reducing Scope of Fall 2008 Referendum
Sensitivity to community concern at center of decision

Pennsville, NJ, April 9, 2008 — The Pennsville Board of Education is considering narrowing the scope of this fall’s proposed bond referendum.  On Monday night, the board met with the community-wide task force, which worked for more than three years before presenting its recommendations for district-wide improvements to the board.  With input from the recently hired financial advisor and bond attorney as well as engineer/architect Remington & Vernick, the board and the task force collectively decided to further evaluate the proposed bond referendum scope as a means of lowering the tax impact on the taxpayers of Pennsville.  The reduced scope will support the board’s commitment to improve student learning environments through the implementation of life safety renovations and educational adequacy upgrades.

The New Jersey Department of Education currently is reviewing the district’s submission for projects at each of the district’s five schools.  Because the review is not complete, the Department of Education has not released what percentage of the project cost it will provide through debt service aid.  While both the board and the task force feel all projects are necessary for the district, they agree that in today’s economic climate, it is not in the best interest of the community at large to be faced with too significant a tax increase.  The board and the task force will continue to meet regularly for further dialogue until the two collectively decide which projects to include in the anticipated bond referendum.  A decision is expected within the next month.

The bond referendum vote is expected to occur on Tuesday, September 30, 2008.  The upcoming April 15 election is not for the bond referendum; it is for the proposed 2008-09 school operating budget plan and for the election of board members. 

To ensure the community is informed and updated in a timely matter with regard to the referendum, the district will continue to utilize a comprehensive public information program that uses a variety of communication tools, including public meetings, newsletters, press releases, and updated postings on the district’s website.  A special referendum section has been added to the website, providing a central information hub for all pertinent news relating to this item.

For additional information about the proposed plan, existing building conditions at the district’s five schools, or the renovation and upgrade plan, please contact the superintendent’s office by calling (856) 540-6200 ext. 1118 or visit the district website at http://www.psdnet.org.

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