Moorestown school board proposes $80M for infrastructure and athletic enhancements

The Moorestown Township Public School District held a Special Board of Education meeting on June 30, 2025, to discuss significant infrastructure improvements and funding proposals for the district's facilities. The meeting focused on two ballot questions aimed at enhancing the educational environment and operational efficiency within the schools.

The first item on the agenda addressed a comprehensive repair and replacement plan for various school facilities, with a total estimated cost of $80.3 million. This plan includes critical upgrades to HVAC systems, which currently rely on outdated R-22 Freon, leading to high maintenance costs—approximately $11,000 just for summer charges. The proposal also encompasses roofing projects across three buildings. The state is expected to fund 40% of eligible costs, historically covering about 85% of that amount, resulting in an estimated monthly tax impact of $37 for the average assessed home in Moorestown.

The second ballot question proposed the creation of an operations center on the main campus. This initiative aims to relocate maintenance operations from instructional spaces, thereby freeing up room for renovations and additional instructional areas in the high school. The current setup has raised concerns due to odors from maintenance activities affecting the learning environment. The new operations center would also facilitate traffic improvements on campus, addressing congestion issues that have been problematic during peak hours.

Additionally, the proposal includes the addition of three new turf fields with lighting on Bridgeborough Road. This development is intended to enhance athletic facilities while also improving traffic flow by relocating the bus depot. The new turf fields are designed to address drainage issues and comply with flood hazard regulations, ensuring their usability even after severe weather events.

The meeting concluded with a clear outline of the proposed improvements and their anticipated benefits, setting the stage for community engagement as the district prepares for the upcoming ballot. The Board emphasized the importance of these initiatives in fostering a better educational environment and operational efficiency for Moorestown schools.