News Release                                                                                                                                

 

Caldwell-West Caldwell School District

Contact:  Daniel Gerardi, Ph. D.

Superintendent of Schools

Phone:    973-228-6979

School Board Waiting for State Answer on Bond Referendum

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

 

 

West Caldwell, NJ – During the public session of the Caldwell-West Caldwell Board of Education’s summer workshop on Wednesday, August 29, the board announced that all plans and specifications required for the proposed bond referendum have been submitted to the New Jersey Department of Education for review.

 

The bond referendum, scheduled for a December 11 vote, proposes infrastructure work for each of the district’s seven school buildings.  Suggested work items include roof replacements and upgrades, renovations and/or the replacement of boilers and heating systems, additional small group instruction areas, new fire alarm systems, electrical upgrades, site work for parking and play areas, athletic field upgrades, and the renovation of Harrison School to accommodate a proposed extended-day Kindergarten program.  Upon receiving the state’s response regarding which items are eligible for state aid, the board will make a final decision regarding the scope of the projects and the number of questions that will be posed to voters on December 11. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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“Last spring, the board accepted the recommendations of both the Citizen’s Advisory Committee and the Kindergarten Study Group regarding projects that should be included in the upcoming referendum,” said Dr. Daniel Gerardi, superintendent of schools.  “We have submitted these recommendations to the state and are now waiting to hear if and how much state aid will be available.”  The board will share information about debt service aid and residential tax impact to the residents as soon as information is received from the state.

 

Over the years, the district has used budgetary funds to consistently make the necessary repairs and upgrades to district buildings.  However, the scope of outstanding repair, maintenance and upgrade work that needs to be done requires a larger expenditure.  FKA Architects of Livingston, NJ, has been working with the board of education to develop a work plan that will upgrade the buildings and optimize their use for many years to come.  This expenditure may be offset by the state in terms of debt service aid.

 

To ensure that the community is informed and updated in a timely manner, the district has developed a comprehensive public information program that uses a variety of communication vehicles, including public meetings, newsletters, press releases, and updated postings on the district’s website.  

 

For more information on the recommendation of both the Citizen’s Advisory Committee and the Kindergarten Study Group, or to make comments on the referendum, please visit the district website at www.cwcboe.org.

 

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