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Hamilton voters passed a $55.4 million referendum yesterday to repair schools and address security concerns throughout the district’s school buildings.
Voters overwhelmingly cast their ballots in favor of the referendum. According to the county’s results, 77 percent of people voted yes while just 22 percent voted against the referendum.
However, just 6,276 out of 61,118 eligible Hamilton Township voters participated in the Sept. 26 election.
“By approving this referendum we assure that safety, security and critical infrastructure needs are a priority in each of our schools,” Superintendent Scott Rocco said in a statement. “Many members of our community publicly demonstrated their support during the last six weeks by attending meetings, asking questions and working to provide information to our community. I thank all of you for your efforts.”
The $55.4 million referendum is a package of repairs and security improvements, and the state has agreed to fund 40 percent of the total cost. The money will be used in all of the district’s 24 schools, and the repairs range from upgrading security and ensuring buildings are accessible for people with disabilities to replacing and repairing windows, ceilings, roofs and other necessary infrastructure.
The referendum will increase taxes $52.30 per year, or $4.35 per month, for a home assessed at the township average of $214,300. If a home is worth more than the township average, the property owners will pay more. A home valued at less will pay less.
“Now the work begins on improving our school facilities,” Rocco said. “The board of education, my administrative team, and I will work to get these needed projects started in our schools as soon as possible.”
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The top supports of windows—called lintels—have caved in along an entire section of brick wall at Hamilton West, which has allowed the gradual degradation of the masonry work. The cracked and displaced bricks create more than an eyesore; they’re also a potential structural danger. This is one of the many issues that will be addressed after voters approved a $55.4 million referendum.,
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At Yardville Elementary School, the ceiling of the auditorium is water-damaged and decaying throughout. Dust from the ceiling falls perpetually, covering items in a fine, white coating.,
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At Grice Middle School, some windows no longer lock. Others have cracked seals, like this, that allow water and wind in.,
