Northern Highlands to hold $8.8M referendum. Here's how your taxes could change
ALLENDALE — Northern Highlands Regional High School District will ask voters to approve an $8.8 million project that would include a new field house and field renovations.
The referendum is set for March 8.
The proposal includes a $3.8 million two-story field house on the site of its former tennis courts, and a $3.1 million renovation of its so-called Lower Field east of the high school. An additional $1.9 million in renovations and upgrades are also proposed for the school, including reclaiming four classrooms by moving the fitness center to the field house.
School Superintendent Scott Beckerman said the projects have been under discussion for the past 18 months.
"When we created the new tennis courts out front we knew we would have the old courts to do something special," Beckerman said. "We also have been struggling with drainage issues for about three years on the baseball and softball fields. Finally, we brought in an architect and this plan came together."
Department of Education approvals took six months, followed by six months for local approvals, Beckerman said.
"As the mom of three children, who graduated from Highlands, I am grateful for the wonderful education they received," said Board President Christine Ferrarie. "I know we are responsible to provide future students a beautiful campus, updated classrooms, and ample space for them to grow, learn and thrive."
The school opened in 1965, and sits on 40 acres at the intersection of Hillside Avenue and Forest Road. The regional school was formed by Allendale and Upper Saddle River and includes students from Saddle River and Ho-Ho-Kus on a send/receive basis.
The high school is currently paying off bonds for its science wing and roof. The science wing bonds will be paid off in June, but two years remain on the bond for windows.
If the new bonds are approved, the impact would be:
In Allendale, on the average home assessed at $663,957, the current $256.15 annual bond portion of high school taxes would go down $36.23 to $219.92. If the spending proposal fails, the annual bond portion would go down to $60.
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In Upper Saddle River, on the average home assessed at $776,083, the current $313.88 annual bond portion of high school taxes would go down $44.40 to $269.48. If the referendum measure fails, the annual bond portion would go down to $73.62.
Only residents of Allendale and Upper Saddle River will vote on the referendum. Beckerman said the referendum will have no impact on per-pupil costs for Ho-Ho-Kus students, and only a "slight" increase for Saddle River students.
A referendum overview — including flyers, video and a Power Point presentation— can be found on the school's website northernhighlands.org.
Marsha Stoltz is a local reporter for NorthJersey.com. For unlimited access to the most important news from your local community, please subscribe or activate your digital account today.
Email: stoltz@northjersey.com
Twitter: @marsha_stoltz
This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: Northern Highlands NJ schools hold referendum in March 2022
