Schools

School Upgrades In Caldwell-West Caldwell: Staff Explain Local Needs

VIDEOS: Voters in both towns will go to the polls on March 11. They will face two public questions – learn more here.

Millions of dollars in upgrades throughout the Caldwell-West Caldwell Public School District in New Jersey are being proposed in a special school bond referendum on March 11.
Millions of dollars in upgrades throughout the Caldwell-West Caldwell Public School District in New Jersey are being proposed in a special school bond referendum on March 11. (File Photo: Alex Mirchuk/Patch)

CALDWELLS, NJ — Why are upgrades needed in the Caldwell-West Caldwell Public School District? Voters in both towns can now hear the answer to that question in staff and administrators’ own words.

The district recently released a series of explanatory videos ahead of a major voter referendum taking place on March 11. Watch footage below, or view the videos online here.

Voters will get to cast ballots for two separate questions:

Find out what's happening in Caldwellsfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

QUESTION 1 (SCHOOL UPGRADES) – Major renovations are being planned at six of the district’s seven schools (Harrison School is the only one that is not on the list). Projects would include security enhancements, media center upgrades for Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math (STEAM), and miscellaneous façade, piping and stair repairs. There would be no additional tax impact for homeowners if Question 1 passes, district administrators said.

QUESTION 2 (ATHLETIC FIELD HOUSE) – The district is also planning the construction of a new athletic field house at James Caldwell High School. It would include four team rooms (including lockers and restrooms), coaches’ offices, a trainer’s room, a multi-purpose room on the second floor, a conference/meeting room, public restrooms, storage space and an elevator. If Question 2 passes, Caldwell residents will see an average annual tax increase of $129. Meanwhile, West Caldwell residents will see an average annual tax increase of $127, administrators said.

Find out what's happening in Caldwellsfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Construction would likely take place in the summers beginning in 2026 through 2027. See a list of frequently asked questions here.

The school district has launched a website with more information about the upcoming referendum. View it online here.

Learn more about registering to vote in New Jersey here. Questions about the referendum can be emailed to referendum2025@cwcboe.org.

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