Budget + Bond Update #3

Dear Westfield Public Schools Community,

During my visits to each school's PTO meeting to discuss the upcoming bond referendum, I’ve noticed that the most interest understandably centers around three key areas: the timing of the vote which falls during Spring Break, the overall cost of the referendum, and school-specific projects.

We began sharing information early and often about how to vote by mail, and we will continue to do so. Cost details were included in Updates #1 and #2 (and posted on the NEWS section of the district website). This update — the third of four weekly emails leading up to the April 15 vote — focuses on the school-by-school breakdown of projects.

As always, I encourage you to visit the Budget + Bond portal at westfieldnjk12.org/vote for comprehensive details about the bond referendum and additional spending proposal for the 2025-2026 district operating budget. And, remember, if there is any chance you will be traveling or unavailable on April 15, apply for a mail-in ballot today. 📬 Applications must be received by the county no later than April 8.

As we approach the April 15 vote, we want to share how the proposed improvements would impact each of our schools. You'll notice that all schools would receive certain upgrades and improvements, while other projects are specific to the needs of individual schools. Below is a quick breakdown of the projects planned for each building, highlighting key upgrades and additions.

Franklin Elementary

🔧 Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning (HVAC) Upgrades
🚻 Restroom Renovations

📚 Increased Space for Small Group Instruction (SGI)

🏫 Additional Multi-Purpose Room

🚗 Reconfigure Drop-Off Loop

🏃🏾 Expand Playground Area Impacted by the Addition

🛠️ Build New Classrooms for Full Day Kindergarten

Jefferson Elementary

🔧 HVAC Upgrades
🚻 Restroom Renovations

📚 Increased Space for Small Group Instruction (SGI)

🏫 Additional Multi-Purpose Room

🚪 Relocate Main Office

🛠️ Build New Classrooms for Full Day Kindergarten and Projected Increased Enrollment

McKinley Elementary

🔧 HVAC Upgrades
🚻 Restroom Renovations
📚 Increased Space for Small Group Instruction (SGI)

🚪 Relocate Main Office and Nurse's Office

🛠️ Build New Classrooms for Full Day Kindergarten

Tamaques Elementary

🔧 HVAC Upgrades
🚻 Restroom Renovations
📚 Increased Space for Small Group Instruction (SGI)

🛠️ Build New Classrooms for Full Day Kindergarten and Projected Increased Enrollment

Washington Elementary

🔧 HVAC Upgrades

🚻 Restroom Renovations
📚 Increased Space for Small Group Instruction (SGI)
🏃🏾 Relocate Playground Impacted by Addition

🛠️ Build New Classrooms for Full Day Kindergarten and Special Education Programs

Wilson Elementary

🔧 HVAC Upgrades
🚻 Restroom Renovations
📚 Increased Space for Small Group Instruction (SGI)

🛠️ Convert Existing Space for Full Day Kindergarten

Edison Intermediate

🔧 HVAC Upgrades
🚻 Restroom Renovations
❄️ Add AC to Gym and Cafeteria

📚 Convert Unused Locker Room Areas to Gain Classroom and SGI Space
💻 Renovate Media Center

Roosevelt Intermediate

🔧 HVAC Upgrades
🚻 Restroom Renovation

❄️ Add AC to Gym and Cafeteria

📚 Convert Unused Locker Room Areas to Gain Classroom and SGI Space

💻 Renovate Media Center

Westfield High School

🔧 HVAC Upgrades

🚻 Restroom Renovations

❄️ Add AC to Gym and Cafeteria

🪵 Relocate Woodshop to New Space

📚 Build New Addition for Small Group Instruction (SGI)

🚗 Add Drop-Off Loop and Handicapped Parking

🎭 Renovate Auditorium
💻 Renovate Media Center

We often hear the question: Why isn't the Lincoln Early Childhood Learning Center included in the bond projects? Additionally, voters are curious about what will happen to Lincoln if they approve the construction of classrooms to support a full-day kindergarten program across all our elementary schools.

Lincoln received a complete renovation in 2008, and no further large scale renovations are necessary at this time. If voters approve the bond funding in Bond Question 2 for construction/renovations associated with implementing Full Day Kindergarten at all of our elementary schools, Lincoln would continue to house, and possibly expand, our pre-kindergarten program.

We often receive the above question as well. As outlined in the FAQ page of the Budget + Bond portal, if Bond Proposal 2 regarding Full Day Kindergarten is approved, a future school budget would need to include approximately $3.5 million in additional staffing costs to support Full Day Kindergarten. This would include:

• 19 Kindergarten Teachers

• 8 Paraprofessionals

• 1 Speech Therapist

• 4 Specials Teachers (e.g., Art, Music, PE)

• 1 Assistant Principal at Jefferson

• 1 Assistant Principal at Tamaques

• 2 Custodians

• Associated health benefits costs

This staffing expansion would be proposed in a future school budget and would require community approval through the annual district operating budget vote.

There are still plenty of in-person and virtual opportunities to learn more about the budget and bond referendum.

UP NEXT

🗓 Monday, March 31

• ☕ 8:30a - Coffee with the Superintendent at Jefferson

🗓 Tuesday, April 1

• ☕ 8:30a - Coffee with the Superintendent at McKinley
• 👥 7:00p - McKinley PTO at McKinley

🗓 Wednesday, April 2

• ☕ 8:30a - Coffee with the Superintendent at Franklin

🗓 Thursday, April 3

• 👥 9:00a - RIS PTSO at Roosevelt
• 💻 7:00p - Community Remote Session (LINK)
  
  

🗓 Friday, April 4

• ☕ 8:30a - Coffee with the Superintendent at Wilson