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Harrison Township Board of Education moves ahead with Nov. 2026 referendum to fund school infrastructure
Summary
The Harrison Township Board of Education on Dec. 16 approved pre-referendum and bond-related steps for a November 2026 ballot measure to fund roof, HVAC, chiller, boiler, security and generator work at district schools and accepted the district's 2024–25 audit and finance reports.
The Harrison Township Board of Education on Dec. 16 authorized preliminary steps for a referendum to appear on the Nov. 2026 general election ballot that would fund multiple capital improvements across the district, including a roof at Pleasant Valley School; HVAC and chiller upgrades at both Harrison Township School and Pleasant Valley School; boilers at Pleasant Valley School; security upgrades at both buildings; and a generator at Harrison Township School. Dr. Missy Peretti, the district superintendent, said she will provide periodic updates through the planning process.
At the same meeting the board accepted the district's 2024–2025 Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR) and approved routine financial items. The Board Secretary reported no budget transfers for November 2025 and that the cash reconciliation and secretary’s reports were in agreement, certifying there were no overexpenditures in violation of applicable New Jersey administrative code provisions. The board also approved payment of bills, including a ratified November 2025 bill list of $1,987,418.10 and a December 2025 bill list of $315,940.67.
As part of preparations for the referendum and potential financing the board approved a Pre-Referendum Letter of Authorization with RYEBREAD, the district's architect of record; a Bond Counsel Services Agreement with Wilentz, Goldman & Spitzer, P.A.; and the acceptance of municipal advisor services from Phoenix Advisors in connection with School Bonds, Series 2026. Those contract approvals were taken as part of a grouped finance motion and carried by roll call vote.
Board action on the ACFR makes the 129-page audit and a synopsis available on the district website, the board noted. Separately, the board voted to accept the state increase to New Jersey's minimum wage effective Jan. 1, 2026, an administrative acknowledgment with potential payroll budgetary impact.
The finance and referendum-related approvals were made by formal motion and roll call and will be followed by public information and further planning leading up to the Nov. 2026 election, according to the superintendent. The board did not set a bond amount or final referendum language at the Dec. 16 meeting; those details will be developed in subsequent sessions and public notices.
