HAMILTON -- Township schools superintendent Dr. Scott Rocco took officials on a tour of three schools Thursday to highlight repairs that would be made if the $55.4 million referendum is passed next week.
The tour - of Nottingham and Hamilton West high schools and Greenwood elementary - follows four public meetings Rocco held about the referendum, which is this Tuesday, Sept. 26.
The district says the upgrades are critical infrastructure updates, which range from security installs to new roofs and windows, and ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) compliance improvements.
Rocco says the district should act now to save money on likely, future emergency repairs.
"I believe the plan we have put together represents a responsible, measured approach to addressing critical needs in our schools. It's no more and no less than what is absolutely necessary right now to ensure that students, teachers and community members who are in our building are in safe and updated school environment," Rocco said in a statement.
Assemblyman Wayne DeAngelo, D-Mercer, a supporter of the referendum, jointed the tour with Hamilton Mayor Kelly Yaede and Mercer County Freeholder John Cimino.
The referendum was originally scheduled for January, and the school board presented it at meetings in late 2016. The board later voted to move the referendum to this month.
It started as a $227 million wish list and was whittled down to the current $55 million, officials have said. The tax increase would be about $53 a year for the average home assessed at $213,000.
Polls will be open Tuesday from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m.
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