$1.3M Bloomingdale School Referendum Up for Vote Tuesday

Bloomingdale residents will hit the polls Tuesday to decide on a $1.3 million referendum to improve health and safety conditions at Martha B. Day and Walter T. Bergen schools.

Bloomingdale is one of 13 New Jersey school districts voting Tuesday on referendums ranging from roof replacements, energy system upgrades and security improvements that total $180,037,025 with $80,077,346 eligible for state funding.

Bloomingdale's $1,341,950 project is eligible for $536,780 in state funding. Residents will be responsible for the remaining 60 percent—
$805,170—of the repairs if approved.

The improvements include replacing the boilers and improving security lighting at both schools, and improving handicapped accessibility at MBD, repairing masonry and replacing the rear stairs.

The replacement of the boilers is expected to generate a nearly $30,000 in energy savings each year, according to the district's outline of the project.

"As district buildings have aged, critical systems, such as boilers require repairs or replacement," the district's outline reads. "Prudent facility management has stretched these systems beyond their intended life spans, but they are beginning to fail. Significant improvements are necessary to prevent adverse impacts to building operations. Funding through the referendum will ensure continuity of operations."

School officials presented the plan at the borough council meeting last week.

Polls will be open Tuesday from 2 to 9 p.m.