The Caldwell-West Caldwell School District announced that it is asking residents to vote on an $18.2 million bond referendum to renovate and upgrade all the school buildings, and upgrade the athletic facilities at the high school. The state department of education is offering 40 percent debt service aid, which reduces the taxpayer’s obligation. The tax impact for the average household will be approximately $11 per month per household in both Caldwell and West Caldwell.
“The Caldwell-West Caldwell Board of Education strives to assess and address not only the educational needs of our students, but also the environment in which our children’s educational needs are met,” said Superintendent Dr. James Heinegg. “Bond 2014 focuses on securing the health and safety of our students, staff and the community members who use and visit our facilities.”
The bond includes upgrades to each of the district’s schools, including security cameras and recording equipment at school entrances; interior and exterior security doors; new windows at several schools; heating, ventilating, and air conditioning (HVAC) upgrades district wide; a new data technology center; drainage and repairs at the high school’s Lower Field and Bonnel Field; field, track and athletic facility upgrades; and other facility repairs and upgrades.
The ballot can be seen on the district’s website along with additional bond information, photos and plans. Residents are invited to call the board offices at 973-228-6979 or email Superintendent of Schools Dr. James Heinegg at jheinegg@cwcboe.org.
The Caldwell-West Caldwell Board of Education urges residents to ensure that they are registered to vote so that they can cast their ballot in the December 9 bond referendum. Voters must be registered 29 days before the election, which would be November 10, 2014. Absentee ballots, available online, can be mailed to the Essex County Clerks office, and must be received by December 8 in order to be counted. Voter registration forms are also available online at http://www.njelections.org/.
