Toms River Regional School District REBUILDING OUR SCHOOLS The Comprehensive Facilities Assessment, ESIP and Referendum
Toms River Regional Schools “Our mission is to create a safe and positive learning environment where children can develop the confidence and capabilities to face the challenges of a rapidly changing world...”
Toms River Regional Schools 2013: Hazard, Young, and Attea Surveys Community Needs Challenges, issues, and priorities for the future cited: “Need for building renovations” ● “Mechanical systems failing” ● “Buildings need much maintenance and repairs” ● “Lack of labs” ● “Inequity among [conditions of] schools” ● “Facilities investments needed” ● “Crumbling” interior and exterior infrastructure ●
Toms River Regional Schools 2016 Comprehensive Facilities Assessment Identifies Critical Issues ...and over $160 million in priority facilities projects across the district.
How Schools Can Fund Major Capital Projects Referendums ESIPs
What is an ESIP? In 2009, the NJ legislature approved Energy Savings Improvement Plans , or ESIPs, to help government agencies make energy related improvements to their facilities and pay for the costs using the resulting energy savings. On September 21, 2012, Governor Christie signed Public Law 2012, Chapter 55, which further defined the ESIP process. Source: http://www.nj.gov/dca/divisions/dlgs/lfns/09/2009-11.doc
What’s in the Toms River Regional Schools ESIP? Lighting (fluorescent and incandescent to LED) ● New boilers ● New chillers ● Retrocommissioning at all school sites (ongoing ● identification of operational improvements) Energy management infrastructure implementation ● and expansion Unit ventilator replacements ● Combined heat & power ● (Items specific to locations.)
Toms River Regional Schools ESIP Financing Urgent Priorities identified that are eligible for ESIP: • Self-funded $17,800,000 energy savings projects • Generates estimated $1,000,000 average annual energy cost savings • Eligible for estimated $1,120,095 in New Jersey State incentives • Work to begin in Summer 2018 • Scheduled to be completed in 2019
How Can Non-ESIP Capital Projects Be Funded? District annual budget (including capital reserve) ➢ Not intended for large capital projects ○ State Regular Operating District (ROD) grants ➢ Currently not available ○ Voter approved referendum ➢ To fund priority capital projects in a full ○ and timely manner
What is a Referendum? A referendum is a public question that must be approved by the registered voters. A bond referendum is how schools raise funds for significant capital expenses (not operating expenses) such as building renovations or new construction. Bonds are issued to pay for these costs, and the bonds are paid back with interest over time, typically 15 to 25 years.
What is the cost to the taxpayer of a referendum? Tax impact can be estimated once the plan and projects are finalized. Bonds issued through referendum are paid through debt service funding, which is ● a component of the school tax on your tax bill State debt service aid is available for up to 40% of the referendum amount, which ● reduces the debt service fund obligation The State reviews and approves projects before the public question is voted on; at ● that point, we will have a better estimate of the overall project costs Before the referendum vote, we will have a live tax calculator that will show the tax impact for a specific assessment in each town in our regional district. Note: In 2025-26, debt service tax levy will be reduced annually by $4.7 million as bonds retire
What’s included in the Referendum? Projects (not limited to): ● Safety and security ● Paving ● Air conditioning ● Classroom ventilation ● Windows and doors ● Plumbing ● Lab modernization ● Elementary playgrounds ● Other ADA improvements
What’s in the plan for Pine Beach Elementary? ● Classroom floors ● Interior lighting ● Windows and Doors ● Safety & security upgrades ● Paving and Curbs ● Property drainage ● Trees and shrubbery ● ADA compliance ● Exterior trim ● Playground improvements ● HVAC
Referendum and ESIP Timeline and Process Board approves ESIP ESIP E O & development y n t a B i n l Work P n e u c o v m d i n l l a y i b s of referendum o e t m m n t n begins a u g i t i t t n a i P n o a F i t u m n l E u i C m d t P e m e s b O n r T e s g o u e m D y e n M f s e r i n i J o e t t v i I e N e C f l r i e e t c u o o R a M S V t F Summer 2013 2015-2017 Nov 2017 Feb-Mar 2018 April 2018 Oct 2, 2018 2018 Summer 2019 Referendum Work to Begin 2016 2017 July 2018 Fall 2018 Maser Contracted Stakeholder s e DOE i t t referendum Public to Draft Plan to input, plan i n l i c e a m Meetings approval and F Address Priorities s s revisions e s s A revisions Subject to change
Informational Meeting Schedule Community Meetings Taking Place at Each School F Tuesday, February 6, 6:30-7:30 Silver Bay Elementary E Tuesday, February 6, 8-9:00 High School North Thursday, February 8, 6:30-7:30 West Dover Elementary B Thursday, February 8, 8-9:00 High School South R Tuesday, February 13, 6:30-7:30 Pine Beach Elementary U Tuesday, February 13, 8-9:00 High School East A Tuesday, February 27, 5-6 PM ELC, 1144 Hooper Ave R Tuesday, February 27, 6:30-7:30 Hooper Avenue Elementary Y Tuesday, February 27, 8-9:00 Intermediate East
Informational Meeting Schedule Thursday, March 1, 6:30-7:30 South Toms River Elementary Thursday, March 1, 8-9:00 Intermediate South M Tuesday, March 6, 6:30-7:30 North Dover Elementary A Tuesday, March 6, 8-9:00 Intermediate North R Tuesday, March 13, 6:30-7:30 Beachwood Elementary Tuesday, March 13, 8-9:00 Washington Street Elementary C Thursday, March 22, 6:30-7:30 Joseph Citta Elementary H Thursday, March 22, 8-9:00 Walnut Street Elementary Tuesday, March 27, 6:30-7:30 Cedar Grove Elementary Tuesday, March 27, 8-9:00 East Dover Elementary
For More Information, go to our webpage at: www.trschools.com/community/referendum More Questions or Comments? Email us at: referendum@trschools.com
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