Referendum to Improve School Safety Defeated in New Jersey

A referendum for proposed safety upgrades to a school district in New Jersey was defeated by residents who would've largely funded the project through taxes.

Published: March 16, 2015Author: CS Staff

The unofficial referendum results were narrow, with the residents voting to defeat it narrowly winning 924-905.

Residents defeated a referendum in New Jersey on Tuesday that would’ve started a $4.8 million school safety project in the district.

The referendum, which was defeated by an unofficial margin of 924 to 905, would’ve cost taxpayers $2.8 million while the state would’ve covered the remaining $1.9 million, according to northjersey.com.

The renovations would’ve affected all 14 of the schools in Wayne School District where the referendum was held. Following a safety assessment, Stone Gates Associates recommended improvements in communication, building access and fire alarms.

Superintendent Mark Toback described the challenges of the referendum, saying the town can’t fully inform its citizens what they’re voting on for safety reasons.

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