December's Bond Referendum is Raising the Roof on Woodbridge High

Township residents driving by can see their tax dollars at work. The hubbub going around on every part of the school is the tangible result of voters' December approval of a to put new roofs and energy-saving solar panels on 21 of the district's schools. 

Woodbridge High is one of the first to receive the largesse of the referendum. Not a week after the end of classes, work crews began tearing up the roof over the sprawling high school, which was constructed in 1957.

An outdoor canopy that provides cover to the sidewalk was part of the school's original design and runs across the face of the front of school. Years of neglect have destroyed the lighting and caused water damage; that part of the school structure is also receiving a facelift.

Massive sewer work is also being completed at the high school.

The reroofing is first necessary so the school can receive solar panels, which will reportedly help defray energy costs for the district. With strong backing from the district, the bond referendum sailed through with 2 to 1 support.

The final funding includes $9 million in matching grants from the state. The final impact of the bond issue on residents' tax bills, based on a home with an average assessed value of $75,000, is predicted to be $7 a year. 

If the referendum hadn't passed, officials said, property taxes would've risen several hundred dollars.