Board reviews referendum submissions to NJDOE and discusses Eagle Academy quick-claim deed

Mr. Price, chair of the finance and operations committee, and Mr. Smith briefed the board on committee work ahead of the referendum process and a property transition involving Eagle Academy.

Mr. Price said the district is submitting project scopes to the New Jersey Department of Education so the department can verify facility requirements and provide preliminary funding letters that estimate state aid. “We’re submitting those projects now,” he said, adding that the district hopes to have approvals back in time for a November or December board meeting and possibly place a question on the ballot in January or March depending on timing.

Committee discussion also covered a planned quitclaim deed tied to Eagle Academy. Mr. Smith said the deed would revert ownership of Eagle Academy to the township when the district vacates the building. The district is evaluating relocation options — including a relocation project to Fernwood School as part of the referendum scope — and noted the building “is in major need of repair” and must be vacated within about two years.

Why it matters: Submitting projects to NJDOE is a necessary step to establish project scope and state-aid estimates that inform any referendum question presented to voters. The Eagle Academy property transition may require capital planning and temporary relocation of programs.

Board next steps: The finance committee recommended proceeding with architect and engineer submissions and the board voted on related finance items during the meeting. The district will use NJDOE responses to finalize a referendum question and share preliminary funding estimates with the public before any ballot question is finalized.