Branchburg Township School District Announces NJDOE State Aid Awards & Key Capital Improvement Projects Under Referendum

BRANCHBURG, NJ — The Branchburg Township School District is pleased to announce that it has been awarded State School Aid funding from the New Jersey Department of Education (NJDOE). These State aid funds directly support the District’s proposed Referendum 2.0, enabling crucial facility upgrades, infrastructure enhancements, and educational improvements while minimizing the impact on local taxpayers for the vote on November 3, 2026.

After months of feedback from the community, staff and families, our Referendum and Finance Committees have restructured last year’s proposal by approximately 50% to develop a fiscally responsible compromise scaled back to focus on the District’s highest-priority needs to modernize our schools. The state aid award of $5,886,373 covers a significant portion of eligible project costs, allowing the District to move forward with comprehensive facility planning across all district schools totaling $34,880,899.

There is a strategic, two-question structure on the ballot to give our community maximum choice and clarity. This structure ensures that voters can evaluate and vote on the different components of the project, allowing the community to directly shape how we prioritize and invest in our schools. The funding and scope of Referendum 2.0 will address critical facilities and modern educational needs across the district, including:

    

 

By securing State aid through the NJDOE capital grant program, the district ensures that up to 34% of eligible debt service costs on approved referendum projects are offset by State funding rather than local property taxes.

"Receiving State aid approval is a major milestone for our District and our community," said Mr. Kevin McPeek, District Superintendent. "This support allows us to tackle essential building improvements, maintain safe learning environments, and modernize our facilities in a fiscally responsible manner."

In response to Referendum 2.0, Mayor James Schworn commented that, “the Board of Education's decision to split the bond proposals into two distinct questions is a more measured approach than last year's single referendum.” He encourages voters to carefully evaluate each proposal independently, considering the specific impact on student needs, the community’s investment, and long-term facility planning for the potential growth of our student population.

Your voice is vital in shaping the future of our schools for our students! We invite you to be an active part of this important transformation by attending our next Board of Education Town hall meeting on September 17, 2026 at 6:30 pm. Join the conversation as we dive into the exciting Referendum 2.0 details, including critical building infrastructure, state aid benefits, and the positive impact on our community and taxpayers.

To learn more about Referendum 2.0, the community is encouraged to explore detailed project descriptions, event schedules, and frequently asked questions on the official Referendum 2.0 portal:

Branchburg Township School District is dedicated to providing an exceptional educational experience for all students through comprehensive instructional programs, dedicated staff, and supportive facility environments fostered through strong community partnerships.