Two South Jersey Communities Holding Special Elections For School Districts

Back in February of this year, the New Jersey Department of Education released the State Aid Summaries as part of the $11.7 Billion State School Funding Budget.  But the result of that announcement left many South Jersey School Districts in disarray.

In the aftermath of 63 South Jersey School Districts being informed they will have their state aid cut for the 2024-25 School Year. This has resulted in many of these School Districts being forced to make difficult budget cuts and local politicians have asked Trenton to help off-set some of these state aid cuts.

Even though the New Jersey State Legislature passed two bills (A-4161 and A-4059) help rectify some of these short and long-term School Budget cuts, two South Jersey School Districts are having to take controversial steps to help offset the state aid funding cuts.

What South Jersey School Districts Are Asking Voters For More Funding?

On September 17th, two Communities in New Jersey's southernmost county will hold a Special Election to get voters' input for a specific Ballot Question. Both Dennis Township and Middle Township School Districts will ask residents to vote on additional funds to be raised from taxes.

One of the hardest hit School Districts by New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy's new School Funding Formula is Dennis Township. Since 2018, the Dennis Township School District has lost 75 percent of its State Funding. A total of $4.3 Million over six years has been diverted from the School District located in Cape May County.

The Dennis Township School District is asking the voters to approve a $2.2 Million Tax Levy. The School District is asking for this additional funding to "maintain the programs and services the district provided in the 2022-2023 school year".

Dennis Township residents had to raise money to support some of the After School and Sports Programs that were in danger of being shut down. But in the November 2023 General Election, Dennis Township Voters said "No" to the last proposed Tax Levy by a 57 percent "No" vote.

Middle Township School District is proposing to raise funds for a new Elementary Building that is Americans With Disabilities Act-compliant. They also want to create an addition for the Middle School Building that would add nine classrooms, and two small-group instruction classrooms, along with a dedicated area for these four academic programs: Technology, Science, Math, and Engineering.

Also, part of the total $26.5 million proposed improvements is to improve the Athletic Facilities. The Middle Township School District wants to install a multisport artificial turf field at Memorial Stadium along with replacing the home-side bleachers and resurfacing five tennis courts.

Why Are These Municipalities Holding A Special Election For The School Districts?

While neither the Middle Township or Dennis Township explained in their Public Notices why they are holding a Special Election for these School District Ballot Questions, there appears to be an unspoken reason why they are avoiding the 2024 General Election in November.

Historically in Cape May County, Special Elections for School District Ballot Questions have not had good voter turnouts. These Special Elections typically have a 10 percent or less voter turnout while the 2024 General Election is expected to have a strong voter turnout because of the United States Presidential Election.

Also, the Special Election Polls have a limited window for Township Residents to vote on the School District Ballot Question. Middle Township Polls will be open from 4 pm to 8 pm on September 17th while Dennis Township Polls will be open from 2 pm to 8 pm.

Here is a full breakdown of all the New Jersey State Aid going to School Districts for the 2024-25 Academic Year.