Budget + Bond Update #1

March 18, 2025

Dear Westfield Public Schools Community,

With the April 15 Budget and Bond Vote approaching, we’re committed to keeping you informed. Over the next four weeks, we’ll provide key updates to help you understand the impact of the proposed 2025-2026 district operating budget and bond referendum—and how you can participate in the vote.

✔️ State Funding Confirmed: We finally received the official notification that our referendum projects are eligible for up to $57.5 million in debt service aid from the state to offset the repayment of the bonds used to support the projects. This funding reduces the local tax burden and supports critical school improvements.

✔️ Budget Aid Increase: The state has also allocated $8.9 million in aid for the 2025-2026 district operating budget, a 6% increase from the prior year that helps offset the tax impact.

✔️ Updated Voter Information Available: Visit westfieldnjk12.org/vote to find:

• 📊 Tax Impact Estimators – See what the proposed changes mean for you.
• 📄 Ballot Language – Review the exact wording of both the budget and bond questions.
• 🎥 Explainer Videos – Short and in-depth videos to break down the plan.
• 🏫 School-Specific Project Lists – Find out what’s proposed for each school.
  
  

✔️ What’s on the Ballot? The April 15 ballot includes:

• 💰 Additional Spending Proposal – Funding for the annual district operating budget.
• 🏫 Bond Question 1 – Renovations to critical areas of our buildings, which average more than 85 years old.
• 🎒 Bond Question 2 – Expansion to Full-Day Kindergarten, a step nearly all New Jersey districts have already taken or are planning to take.
• 📋 School Board Elections – Selection of board candidates.

✔️ Get Involved and Stay Informed: Many community members have already attended our Community Engagement Sessions to ask questions and share feedback. If you haven’t yet, check out upcoming in-person and virtual sessions on our website. Coming up this week: The Jefferson PTO will host a session at Jefferson Elementary School tonight (Tuesday), March 18th at 7:30 p.m.

🗳 Apply for a mail in ballot: Voting takes place on April 15—which falls during Spring Break. If you’ll be away, don’t forget to apply for a mail-in ballot now. Download an application HERE, fill it out, and send it out today.

We appreciate your time and engagement as we work together to invest in Westfield’s future. Look out for next week’s update, and as always, reach out with any questions!

Sincerely,
Dr. González