As members of the Lawrence Township community, we are united by a common goal: ensuring a bright future for all who call this town home. At the heart of that future are our schools. On March 11, you have an opportunity to make a lasting difference by voting on a referendum that directly impacts our children, our neighborhoods, and our shared values.
Investing in Our Schools is Investing in Our Future: A strong school system is the backbone of a thriving community. High-quality education not only prepares students for successful careers and meaningful lives but also enhances property values and attracts families and businesses to our area. By voting for the referendum, you’re not just supporting today’s students—you’re creating a legacy of opportunity for generations to come.
Addressing Critical Needs: This referendum is not about extras or luxuries; it’s about essentials. From updating aging facilities to ensuring classrooms are equipped for 21st-century learning, these improvements are necessary to maintain the high standards our students deserve and ensure that Lawrence remains competitive in Mercer County and beyond. Additionally, to align Lawrence with the U.S. Department of Education’s recommended model, we are preparing Lawrence Middle School to welcome sixth-grade students, establishing a “true middle school model” encompassing grades 6-8, while bringing state-funded preschool into our neighborhood elementary schools. The referendum is not to fund our preschool program. Universal preschool offsets district operating costs through additional state funding for each student enrolled, and is not connected to the proposed scope of work in this project.
A Community-Wide Impact: Even if you don’t have children in the school system, this referendum matters to you. Strong schools make for strong communities. They reduce crime, foster civic engagement, and create a sense of pride and belonging. When our schools succeed, we all benefit. Families want to live in a district where preschool is available to every student at no cost, where academic scores soar and every students’ needs are met. When school districts thrive, the community thrives, from small businesses to religious organizations and more. We believe in accountability and transparency, and we want every taxpayer to know that every dollar will be spent with responsibility and clarity.
Cost Savings for Lawrence Taxpayers: Another key objective of this expansion is to meet the needs of our future special education students in-district, with a comprehensive continuum of care that enables all students to thrive in our school community and receive the tailored supports to which they are entitled throughout their educational journey. Making these services accessible in-district, with the spaces built through this project, allows for all students to thrive in their school community and attend their neighborhood schools.
We understand that any financial decision requires careful consideration. That’s why this referendum has been crafted with fiscal responsibility in mind, waiting until the district’s past debts have been paid off before taking on any new fiscal responsibilities. The proposed plan is both cost-effective and forward-thinking, designed to maximize impact while minimizing the burden on taxpayers. Through this referendum, the district will receive nearly 12% of the project cost back from the state in the form of State Aid, driving down the monthly repayment of the mortgage. The amortization schedule of repayment would not start until 2027.
It’s important to understand that Lawrence is a “net giver” in the state aid system. Our community consistently contributes more money into the state’s education funding pool than we typically receive back. Passing our referendum allows our district to receive a share of the funds we contribute. Without it, those dollars will go to other districts, and our schools will not directly benefit from the system.
Your Voice Will Shape Our Future: March 11 is your opportunity to show the value this community places on education and its power to transform lives. By voting for the referendum, you’re investing in our schools, our students, and the future of Lawrence Township. Make your voice count.
To learn more about the proposed projects included under this referendum, please come to our Town Hall meeting on Feb. 4 at 6 p.m. at Lawrence Middle School. Check our website www.ltps.org/referendum for dates for additional info meetings.
Dr. Robyn Klim is the superintendent of the Lawrence Township Public Schools.
Dr. Robyn Klim, superintendent of Lawrence Township Public Schools.,
