Why Are These South Jersey School Districts Holding Special Elections?

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.

The aftermath of this new New Jersey School Funding Budget was 63 South Jersey School Districts having their state aid cut for the 2024-25 School Year.  Many of these School Districts are forced to make difficult budget cuts and local politicians have asked Trenton to help offset some of these state aid cuts.

Even though the New Jersey State Legislature passed two bills (A-4161 and A-4059) attempting to rectify some of these School Budget cuts, two South Jersey School Districts have decided to take controversial steps to counteract these state aid funding cuts.

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

On September 17th in New Jersey's southernmost county, a Special Election will be asking for voters' input for a specific Ballot Question.  The residents of Dennis Township and Middle Township will voting on additional funds to be raised from taxes for their School Districts.

One of the hardest hit School Districts by NJ 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 have raised money in recent years 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.

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

The $26.5 million proposed improvements includes upgrades to the School District Athletic Facilities.  The Middle Township School District wants to install a multisport artificial turf field at Memorial Stadium, replace the home-side bleachers, and resurface 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 want to avoid 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.

Residents of Dennis and Middle Townships need to know that these Special Elections have limited Polling Hours.  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.