E. Greenwich measure would upgrade schools

Voters in East Greenwich Township, Gloucester County, will be asked to approve a nearly $18.5 million construction proposal in a referendum Tuesday that would expand and renovate two schools.

School officials say the work is necessary to meet the demands of increased enrollment now and in the near future. The work also would increase the buildings' energy efficiency and benefit 18 community organizations that use school facilities, an official said.

The projects would cost about $25.5 million and be eligible for $7 million in state funding.

The work would include 12 new classrooms at the Jeffrey Clark School and 16 new classrooms and a new gymnasium stage and cafeteria expansion at the Samuel Mickle School. It would begin in March and be finished in time for the start of school in September 2012.

If the measure is approved, taxes on a home at the average assessment of $176,500 would rise up to $228 a year.

The referendum is one of five statewide, totaling $145.5 million, according to the New Jersey School Boards Association.