Fast Facts and FAQs

The Haddonfield School District is committed to fiscal responsibility, and a bond referendum aligns with our strategy to consistently seek ways to deliver high-quality education at the lowest possible cost. 

The board worked together with professional consultants, administrators, faculty, students, parents, and community members through individual meetings and community visioning sessions. These diverse perspectives helped identify top priorities that focus on accessibility, additional classroom space, auditoriums and athletics, building maintenance and safety, early childhood education, specialized learning spaces, and media centers.

The needs of our school are not going away. By addressing them now, we could avoid costly repairs or unexpected replacements that would fall 100% on local tax bills if they had to be funded through the normal operating budget. Voter approval would provide the funds to add classroom space to address increased enrollment.

Haddonfield School District is acting now because voter approval of the bond referendum on Tuesday, December 10 would allow construction to begin in June 2025. Additionally, the timing is beneficial because new debt would begin in 2026 as a past investment is paid off. This seamless transition from past to future means a lower net tax increase.

The district viewed this referendum as a comprehensive project that would address the six identified areas of priority; accessibility, additional classroom space, auditoriums and athletics, building maintenance and safety, early childhood education, specialized learning spaces, and media centers. These solutions are interconnected, fitting together like pieces of a puzzle. The referendum presents a single question because removing any piece would impact the solutions in other categories. The scope of the referendum is designed to have a positive impact on all schools with a plan to address future needs, and addressing all six areas would improve the experience of students and benefit the community as a whole. See the Projects page for details.

In the state of New Jersey, districts cannot raise taxes more than 2% each year (unless they use specific waivers provided by the state), yet expenses are rising well above 2%. As such, our current operating budget covers personnel, programs, and building maintenance, leaving very little for significant building upgrades. Many of the projects proposed are simply too costly to ever be considered within the normal operating budget.

When available, the district has applied for and taken advantage of state and federal grants to assist with building maintenance.

A referendum seeks to extend that approach because, with voter approval, Haddonfield School District would get 9$ million in state aid.

Each year, the district completes maintenance projects and upgrades with funding sources outside the regular operating budget. Some projects have been funded through the district’s Capital Reserve. This is funding already collected through local property taxes that the Board of Education set aside in anticipation of these needs. Other projects are being completed through state grant programs. 

The district has been able to allocate funding from outside the regular annual budget toward these projects over the past eight years: 

• Tatem Playground Replacement ($215K with PTA and HET Contribution)

• Security Vestibules at Tatem and Haddon ($230K)

• Hardscape Improvements Behind Stadium ($90K funded by HET)

• Various Security Improvements ($600K funded by federal COPS Grant)

• HMHS C-Wing Mechanical Room Addition and Improvements ($1.2 million)

• HMHS C-Wing Courtyard Improvements ($300K with HET Contributions)

• HMHS A-Wing Partial Roof Replacement ($300K)

• Bathroom Renovations at HMHS, Haddon and Tatem (Over $1 million, funded by ESSER and ARP funds)
  
  

Coming Soon

• HMHS C-Wing Elevator Replacement ($300K)

• Partial Roof Replacements at HMHS and Tatem ($1.5 million with ROD Grant funding)

• Energy Savings Improvement Program (ESIP) Project ($4.8 million to $6.7 million from 20-year financing) 

If the referendum is not approved by voters, the district will still face the same infrastructure and facility needs, but will have to address them without the advantages of $9 million in state aid and upfront funding. Projects would need to be spread out over many years to fit costs for repairs/improvements within the regular budget.  

The district must stay within the state-mandated 2% cap on annual tax revenue. That leaves the Board with choices of funding these repairs/maintenance at the expense of our instructional program, or asking voters to approve a budget increase beyond the 2% cap.

• 2016 - $35,251,000 (Including $11,645,340 in state aid)  Scope of Work:  Districtwide repairs to building exteriors, new windows, HVAC upgrades, communications systems, roof replacements, HMHS cafeteria renovations, HMHS C-Wing practical arts and science rooms renovation, track replacement, Stadium repairs.

• 2013 - (FAILED) - $12,500,000 ($0 State Aid) Scope of Work: Acquisition of the property adjacent to Haddonfield Memorial High School known as the Bancroft Property.

• 2005 - $13,688,249 (Including $4,707,694 in state aid)  Scope of Work:  Districtwide building infrastructure upgrades, which included security, lighting, electric, fire, HVAC, roofing, and ADA-compliant upgrades.  Also, the replacement of the HMHS stadium track and improvements to the stadium itself.

• 2000 - $18,300,749  ($5,211,613 State Aid) Scope of Work:  Additions to Central Elementary and Haddonfield Middle School for a multipurpose room, classrooms, library/media center, and computer labs; additions to Elizabeth Haddon Elementary and Tatem Elementary for classrooms, science rooms, art rooms, and music rooms; addition to Elizabeth Haddon Elementary for a multipurpose room.   

• 1999 - $2,334,955 ($0 State Aid) Scope of Work: Districtwide improvements, which included power, electrical, communications, technology, safety systems, roof repairs, and door replacements at HMHS; electrical system upgrades, kitchen upgrades, and roof replacements at Central Elementary, Haddonfield Middle, Elizabeth Haddon Elementary, and Tatem Elementary Schools.

The tax impact will last 21 years, which is the estimated term of the bonds.

If the referendum passes, the school district will issue $46.7 bonds to finance the project. The $9 million dollars in state aid is applied to the debt service. These bonds are essentially loans that the district takes out, which are then repaid over time. We are currently estimating a 21-year term on the bonds.

The NJ Department of Education has reviewed and approved the district’s bond proposal for projects estimated to cost $46,692,085. State aid would contribute approximately $9,009,071 if the question passes, making the local Haddonfield tax share approximately $37.7 million. 

The district has estimates for each project, but overall costs are fluid. Projects are partially developed at this stage, and therefore the costs represent only a rough estimate of what the actual costs will be. This information is not released pre-referendum because it is incomplete and if released, it would give potential bidders on projects a framework for what price the district expected, even if the project estimate changes once the project is fully developed. This would put the district at a financial disadvantage.

The goal is to deliver the projects within the overall budget, accounting for unforeseen costs, inflation, and other cost drivers during the construction period. These figures also include not just the work on the projects, but also professional and permit fees. By law, the district cannot spend any more than the amount shown on the ballot for these projects. 

For a cost breakdown by site, please refer to the Schools webpage.

Districts can only capture a special type of state aid through bond-funded capital improvements. All referendum plans go through a rigorous state review process to determine which projects are eligible for state aid. The state aid total is then calculated based on project cost estimates. 

Taxpayers across the state pay into the revenue for these school improvements when they pay property, income, and other taxes to the state, but only benefit if their community passes a referendum. If voters approve the bond referendum, the district will receive $9 million in state aid toward the total project costs of $46.7 million (or ~19.3%), resulting in a local tax impact of $37.7 million. See details on the Funding page.

While the state program technically awards aid equal to 40% of eligible costs (as reflected in the ballot language, see that question below), in practice lawmakers reduced that figure to 34% of eligible costs in 2011. The district's projections all utilize the 34% state aid figure in order to present a conservative estimate to taxpayers.

The State of New Jersey provides state aid each year to offset outstanding debt payments for school districts. In essence, the state helps make the annual bond payments. Voter approval means the community would gain $46.7 million in improvements but pay $37.7 million on local tax bills - because state aid would contribute about $9 million toward project costs.

1. Building renovation necessary for compliance with the Uniform Construction Code, health and safety, and/or educational adequacy as determined by facilities efficiency standards. The district is entitled to state aid on the estimated actual costs of the renovation project.

2. New construction to accommodate increased enrollment. The law provides a cost allowance of $143 per square foot. This figure covers construction and "soft costs," such as site acquisition and site development; services of design professionals, including architects, engineers and construction managers; legal fees; and the costs associated with financing the project.

3. Building space necessary to comply with state or federal law concerning students with disabilities.

4. Additional spaces the Commissioner of Education determines are necessary to meet the educational needs of the district.

The district cannot spend $1 more than the amount approved by voters in the bond referendum. That's why the district worked with experts in the field to thoroughly research the projects and costs and include contingencies in the total. That cushion takes into account changes that could occur if materials costs or interest rates rise. If actual costs exceed what voters approved, plans will have to be adjusted to fit the budget.

Bonds do not have a specific interest rate the same way someone might secure a loan before purchasing a car or buying a home. They are sold competitively in the public bond market to the best bidder. Because of that, the district won’t know the precise interest rate until it has public permission to sell the bonds. The district works with advisers who closely watch the bond market and help determine an appropriate financing strategy. The financial advisers have conservatively estimated the interest rate to accommodate some fluctuation in the bond market, and the district has been advised that our AA3 credit rating would help to secure a favorable rate. 

The district may issue the bonds at once or in multiple stages, depending on prevailing interest rates, the bond market, potential investment earnings on the bond proceeds, the construction schedule, and other factors. The tax impact would also modestly fluctuate each year based on changes in the Borough’s tax base and the final annual debt payment. Finally, bonds can be refinanced – just like a home mortgage – if rates fall in the future.

The tax impact is estimated based on a 22-year payback of bonds. Just like home mortgages, bonds can be refinanced if interest rates fall in the future. Refinancing can mean lower tax payments or a quicker payback schedule.

The district has a credit rating of AA3 with a borrowing capacity of $109 million. The district has $28.8 million in current outstanding debt leaving it with $80.4 million in current remaining borrowing capacity. If the bond proposal is passed, HSD's remaining borrowing capacity would be $33.7 million.

The Board is not permitted to spend any more than what is specified on the ballot to complete the projects (no matter the source of funds) without obtaining additional voter approval. The Board is only allowed to spend money on the projects approved by the voters. If the projects are complete and there are remaining bond proceeds, that money has to be used to reduce the local tax rate that is earmarked for debt payback. 

If the referendum passes, we will begin planning immediately. Full-day kindergarten is a high priority for us and we will work on all possible options to deliver this to the community as soon as possible. 

We have discussed the use of trailers but are leaning against based on challenges associated with educating students in trailers, especially since kindergarten students are required to have toilet rooms in their classrooms and cost. Input from the architect and construction management company will also play a part in this decision.  We will examine this again if the referendum is successful.

We anticipate improvements would take 3-5 years to complete. If the referendum passes, we would be ready in the Spring of 2025 to start the bid process on the first round of projects. This cannot happen until and unless the referendum passes.

At Elizabeth Haddon adding an elevator would improve building access throughout the three-level school. Reconfiguring and relocating the Main Office, along with nearby restrooms, would be another step toward a barrier-free building. 

The Middle School auditorium renovations call for new seating for everyone, including people who have mobility issues. Companion seating would be installed, too, so friends and family can sit alongside each other. Additionally, the serving line in the kitchen would be renovated and some new equipment would be added. Not only would those modifications meet accessibility goals there, but they would also help reduce a logjam during lunchtime.

At Central, Elizabeth Haddon and Tatem elementary schools, playground surfaces would be revamped with a poured-in-place product and entry points would have no-step transitions. Tatem's main playground already benefits from these features; its preschool and kindergarten playground would be updated.

At HMHS auditorium renovations would replace all seating, including new options for people who have mobility challenges. The stadium would be made accessible. Companion seating will be included for both the auditoriums and the stadium. Around the building, parking lot areas and sidewalks would be repaved to improve barrier-free accessibility. That includes work around the Hopkins parcel, where a new parking area and sidewalks would be created.

The auditoriums in our high school and middle school are grand spaces in need of renovation. These places are often visited by the community to view performances by drama clubs and musical concerts. These public spaces should represent the pride we take in our performing arts program.

In both auditoriums, the lighting and sound equipment is outdated and in need of modernization. The curtains on the stage and windows are old and must be replaced. Both auditoriums have a significant number of broken seats. Due to their age, finding replacement parts is nearly impossible. The entry doors in the high school do not function properly and need to be replaced.

In addition to the forward-facing needs, there are also behind-the-scenes projects. In the middle school, the music rehearsal rooms below the stage do not have properly functioning HVAC systems and need a complete refresh. At the high school, the storage and dressing area are a converted locker room and several small rooms behind the stage. The spaces need significant renovation to make them functional, comfortable, and safe for our students and staff.

With HMHS having only one full-sized gym, teams are forced to practice consecutively, occupying the space until late in the evening. As a result, students must return to school for practice and don't get home until later at night. This also affects the Borough's youth sports teams, who often don’t have access to the gym until late. The proposed new gym would provide appropriately sized spaces for all athletes, with separate team locker rooms. This would allow high school teams to practice simultaneously, finishing their practices right after school and making the gym available to youth teams earlier. The new facility could offer up to 30 hours of recreational league per week.

Additionally, a new turf field, funded through capital improvement (not bond funding), would include lighting and additional parking. This weather-resistant surface would accommodate multiple sports, providing an alternative to the current fields that are often saturated by rain. When grass fields are waterlogged, practices and games are rescheduled or canceled, creating a ripple effect that disrupts other teams. A synthetic turf field requires less maintenance for mowing and lining than natural grass and would be a more reliable option. Lighting this new multi-sport turf field would further relieve pressure on the other fields, adding up to 30 hours of recreational league use per week.

Small-group instruction rooms are used to help students who need additional support in reading and math, to offer advanced opportunities to students who are ahead of their grade level in a specific subject, or to provide related services such as physical therapy, occupational therapy or speech.  

These spaces benefit students by giving them individualized attention as well as flexible and differentiated learning to encourage academic growth. Teachers are able to better gauge students’ understanding, provide timely feedback, and tailor lessons to focus on the students’ individual needs.

Our security upgrade plans include expanding the security vestibule at the high school, adding a "transaction, pass-through window" into the main office, and installing a door directly to the office that tracks attendance. Out-of-date fire alarm systems would be replaced in all buildings.

The district values the Haddonfield community and sees its role in supporting the community as a crucial part of its mission. The district works with the community to offer opportunities for students, families and community members through the use of its facilities.

Our buildings are used for alumni functions, Fourth of July celebrations, training for police and firefighters, and even as a staging area for the Skirmish. Our fields and gyms are used by nine youth athletic programs serving thousands of students who participate in youth sports.

The strength and the value of our schools are integral to the quality of life in Haddonfield.  Haddonfield’s academics are top-notch and often the reason people move here. Our facilities, however, do not match the community’s standards and growing needs. An investment in Haddonfield Public Schools is an investment in community assets.

Yes, the experienced team from LAN, our district architects with a comprehensive architectural and engineering design team, has ensured that all necessary structural reinforcements for a second-floor addition have been accounted for in the plan, with the associated costs included in the bond referendum.

If you are a registered voter, you can vote ​at your regular polling place in person. 

You may also vote by mail. If you have previously chosen to vote by mail, the ballot should be in the mail sometime this week. 

On the referendum website,haddonfieldschools.org/vote, we have a page dedicated to voting information.

The District does not provide signs. Haddonfield Cares is a community group that will provide you with a sign.

The assessed value of a property is used to calculate the owner's property tax. A home's market value is often a higher figure than its assessed value and is an estimate of how much it could sell for in the current market. For example, the average Haddonfield home assessment for 2024 is $530,509, but the median sale price is $825,000. You can find your home's assessed value by checking the NJProperty Records database at NJpropertyrecords.com.

If you are a registered voter, you can vote by mail. If you have previously elected to vote by mail, the ballot should be in the mail sometime this week. 

On the referendum website,haddonfieldschools.org/vote, we have a page dedicated to voting information. This page contains the information you need to get an application to vote by mail. You may apply by mail up to seven days before December 10. You may also apply in person the day before the election at the County Clerk’s office.

If you have previously elected to vote by mail, the ballot should be in the mail sometime this week. 

On the referendum website,haddonfieldschools.org/vote, we have a page dedicated to voting information. This page contains the information you need to get an application to vote by mail. You may apply by mail up to seven days before December 10. You may also apply in person the day before the election at the County Clerk’s office.

The Senior Freeze Program reimburses eligible senior citizens and disabled persons for property tax increases on their principal residence (main home). To qualify, you must meet all the eligibility requirements for each year from the base year through the application year. Beginning with the 2023 filing season, new legislation increased the income limit for the program to $150,000 for Tax Year 2022 and eliminated the requirement that an applicant must be a New Jersey resident for 10 consecutive years to be eligible for the program. 

Get more information at this link: https://www.nj.gov/treasury/taxation/ptr/

BOND PROPOSAL QUESTION

The Board of Education of the Borough of Haddonfield in the County of Camden, New Jersey (the “Board”) is authorized to (a) undertake various improvements, alterations, renovations, and upgrades to Central Elementary School, Haddonfield Middle School, and Haddonfield Memorial High School, including acquisition and installation of fixtures, furniture, equipment and any site work; (b) undertake various improvements, alterations, renovations and upgrades, and the construction of additions to Elizabeth Haddon Elementary School and J. Fithian Tatem Elementary School, including acquisition and installation of fixtures, furniture, equipment and any site work; (c) undertake the relocation and restoration of the existing historic Maggie House and Carriage House to accommodate the construction of a gymnasium and parking lot for the Hopkins Athletic Complex, including acquisition and installation of fixtures, furniture, equipment and any site work; (d) appropriate $46,692,085 for such improvements; and (e) issue bonds in an amount not to exceed $46,692,085.   

 The final eligible costs for the projects approved by the New Jersey Commissioner of Education are $26,497,269 (consisting of $3,633,501 for Central Elementary School, $3,831,877 for Haddonfield Middle School, $9,466,775 for Haddonfield Memorial High School, $6,262,694 for Elizabeth Haddon Elementary School, $3,302,422 for J. Fithian Tatem Elementary School and $0 for Hopkins Athletic Complex). The projects include  $2,654,321 (consisting of $161,000 for Central Elementary School, $69,000 for Haddonfield Middle School, $399,504 for Haddonfield Memorial High School, $195,000 for Elizabeth Haddon Elementary School, $0 for J. Fithian Tatem Elementary School and $1,829,817 for the Hopkins Athletic Complex) for school facility construction elements in addition to the facilities efficiency standards developed by the Commissioner of Education or not otherwise eligible for State support pursuant to N.J.S.A. 18A:7G-5(g).  The State debt service aid percentage will equal 40% of the annual debt service due with respect to the final eligible costs of the projects.  The Board of Education is authorized to transfer funds among the projects approved at this election.

Do you approve this Bond Proposal Question?

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BOND PROPOSAL QUESTION EXPLANATION

• The first paragraph outlines the types of projects at each building and total cost.

• The second paragraph outlines the cost of projects eligible for state aid by building and the cost of projects not eligible for state aid by building. 

• This ballot language must read that the state debt service aid percentage will equal 40% of the eligible costs of the projects, but as outlined above, in practice the state actually gives 34% in aid. As such, all tax impact projections are based on the district receiving 34% in state aid (or ~$9 million).