This is too important.
Not everyone has kids in the schools. I don’t and I never will. But have you been in them? The teachers, professionals and students in the schools put on a good face about it all — but I know that they feel like they’re forgotten. The vast majority of these buildings are almost 100 years old and falling apart. I care about who is to blame as we think about the future to ensure we don’t end up here again. But right now, that’s a waste of energy. This is about moving forward.
The School District, which is a completely different government from Montclair Township, has a once-in-a-generation opportunity to begin a process of borrowing funds over the next several years. The impact on taxes phases in over time and is mitigated by two important state programs: The property tax freeze for seniors and the ANCHOR property tax rebate program.
Learn More about the Property Tax Freeze for Seniors
Learn More about the ANCHOR Property Tax Rebate
Excitingly, the State has agreed to chip in one third of the cost. That’s a big deal and we don’t get that money if you don’t vote yes. Let’s not say no to $58,000,000 from Trenton. When does Montclair ever get that kind of cash infusion in our schools from the state? Never.
Do I need to remind anyone about the pandemic?
Have you been paying attention to the alarming increase in Respiratory Synctial Virus Infection in kids?
We have got to get the ball rolling on updating the heating, ventilation systems and for the first time — adding air conditioning. Voting YES on the school bond will allow the district to get to work on this vital upgrade to the schools.
This is a big ask of you. I call it a bitter pill that we have to swallow. But we have to do it. Even if you don’t have kids in the school or your kids have gone through … even if you’re a young voter and a little resentful that this didn’t get done in time for your education journey; let’s think about the next generation of kids. AND let’s remember something:
If you care about the value of your home and that’s part of your nest egg / retirement plan (it certainly is for me); Realtors will tell you that there is nothing that affects home values more than the quality of education and quality of schools in a community.
Don’t let the legendary allure of Montclair — the reputation so many of you built, take this hit.
VOTE YES ON THE SCHOOL BOND QUESTION ON YOUR BALLOT
If you have a mail-in ballot, please vote yes and return it as soon as possible. The system shows us that WAAAAYYY too many ballots are sitting on dining tables or kitchen islands and haven’t been returned. Get those in.
If you’re voting early, that starts on Oct. 29th and here’s where you can vote.
Of if you’re voting on Election Day on November 8th — same thing — don’t forget to make your way to this question and VOTE YES to kickstart a multi-year process to Rebuild Montclair Schools! Find your polling place here.
Can you spare time to make calls to voters? Knock on doors?
