MOTSD REFERENDUM

The Mount Olive Township School District is pursuing a financial path to invest in our infrastructure and improve facilities. The state Department of Education recently gave the go ahead for our district to pursue a bond referendum to give the community a voice – and a vote – on Tuesday, December 12, 2023. 

What’s on the Ballot? 

Residents will see two questions on the ballot that address the district’s need for infrastructure and facilities upgrades to continue supporting Mount Olive’s high level of education. 

 

The first question includes funding for: 

• Heating, ventilation and air conditioning improvements at each school to provide a comfortable learning environment 

• Centralized temperature controls to offer a higher level of efficiency and consistency at the high school 

• A second Multi-Purpose Room at the middle school to offer more space for physical education and integrated instruction 

• Added instructional space at Sandshore and Tinc Road to preserve small class sizes and better meet students’ needs 

• Renovations at the high school such as the Manufacturing Lab, athletic trainer’s area and therapeutic space for students with special needs 

• Paving would be completed at the high school. A safer and more functional parking area would benefit students, parents and guests who attend events at the school

The second question includes funding for: 

• Modernized and expanded athletic facilities to better serve students 

• Replacing the obsolete office trailer and transportation garage to support more efficient, reliable bus service and reduce downtime due to repairs 

Investing in Our Schools 

These projects are estimated to cost $61.8 million, and state aid would cover nearly 19% of the project costs. That’s $11.5 million Mount Olive residents have already paid to the state that can be brought back to Mount Olive to invest in our school and community. 

You are probably wondering what that means for you. The owner of an average assessed home in Mount Olive ($322,121) can expect to pay $273.44 in school debt tax for the first question and $54.68 a year for the projects in question two, which can only go into effect if voters approve Question 1. If both questions pass, that same homeowner would see an increase in school debt tax of $328.12 per year, or about $27 per month.  

The December 12 vote is important to the future of our school and gives the community a voice. You’ll continue to hear more about the bond referendum as we engage the community in an informational campaign. Check motsd.org/referendum for details on the projects proposed for each school. The website will be continuously updated with voter information and answers to frequently asked questions.