Students need room to learn

Millstone voters have a tough decision to make on Sept. 30.

The township Board of Education will ask voters to approve $39.9 million toward a $46.5 million construction project to renovate the existing two schools on Schoolhouse Lane, as well as construct a new middle school and transportation facility on the Waters property near Baird and Roberts roads.

If the referendum is approved, residents with a home assessed at $400,000 will pay $560 more per year in school taxes.

This figure is not an easy one for any taxpayer to deal with, especially while most people are tightening their belts because of the economy. However, Millstone residents should consider the alternative if the referendum is voted down.

If the district is forced to put out a referendum three times, and it fails three times, the state will step in and decide what the district will get — and how much taxpayers will pay.

The biggest drawback of this possibility is that the state will base the construction of a new school, or any renovations, on the minimum standards.

This means that elements such as science labs, media centers and adequate cafeteria space may be left out of the construction plans.

Millstone residents should be happy that the Township Committee has decided to use surplus funds to purchase the Waters property where the new school and transportation facility will be housed. Residents have already paid for the surplus fund through taxes collected in the past. But most can agree that using surplus funds to help generate a quality educational environment is a good use of their money.

So while the numbers seem daunting and alternatives can be discussed until everyone is blue in the face, the truth is, Millstone residents are getting a good deal. If the referendum passes, as it should, residents will see their children attend quality schools and will have money from the state to help them bear the cost.