Proposed $18.2 Bond Million Referendum Slated to Upgrade Caldwell Schools, Athletic Fields

Local residents will soon have the chance to vote on a bond referendum slated to provide upgrades to school buildings and high school athletic fields in the Caldwell-West Caldwell School District.

The $18.2 million bond referendum will have a tax impact for the average household will be approximately $11 per month per household in both Caldwell and West Caldwell.

The state department of education is offering 40 percent debt service aid, which reduces the taxpayer’s obligation.

“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,” Superintendent Dr. James Heinegg said. “The 2014 bond 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.

Voters must be registered 29 days before the election, which would be Nov. 10. 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/