Ewing voters overwhelmingly approved a $59.3 million bond referendum yesterday to pay for vital repairs and improvements to township schools.
Roughly 74 percent voted in favor of the referendum, according to unofficial election results from the Mercer County Clerk’s office. However, less than 7 percent of eligible voters — 1,612 out of 24,459 — cast their ballot in the Oct. 2 referendum.
This was the first major bond issue to be proposed by the district since it built Parkway Elementary School almost 25 years ago. School officials said the referendum will not impact taxes due to bonds that are either paid off or nearing that point. According to calculations, the overall average tax impact over the next four years will be a savings of $185.
The referendum will pay for school safety and security enhancements, including improvements to fire alarm systems, alert systems, security upgrades and asbestos abatement.
Structural upgrades — roof replacement and restoration and exterior door and hardware replacement — are also included in the referendum. Other repairs and upgrades include classroom ventilation improvements, and the addition 200 parking spots at Ewing High to improve traffic flow.
On their Facebook page promoting the referendum, school officials thanked those who voted in the election to help create safer, healthier and more modern schools for Ewing students.
Ewing High School is one of a number of buildings in the township designed by FVHD Architects. Ellarslie Museum in Trenton is holding an exhibition featuring the firm’s designs.,
