Vote On School Upgrades In Caldwell-West Caldwell Nears Finish Line

CALDWELLS, NJ — An important voter referendum is approaching the finish line in Caldwell and West Caldwell, and the fate of a major school construction plan hangs in the balance.

Millions of dollars in upgrades throughout the Caldwell-West Caldwell Public School District are being proposed in a special school bond referendum, which will take place on Tuesday, March 11.

Construction would likely take place in the summers beginning in 2026 through 2027.

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

The proposal is being split into two questions. Voters will be able to approve or reject each question separately. The second question will only go into effect if the first question is also approved.

Here’s what is being proposed – and how much it would cost taxpayers.

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 this question passes, district administrators said. Here’s why:

• 20-year bond
• 34% state debt service aid of eligible costs
• $3,325,000 contribution from the district’s capital reserves
• 4% interest rate
• Retiring debt from a prior referendum

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.

The tax impact was prepared by a municipal financial advisor and calculated based on average assessed home values in Caldwell and West Caldwell and the following:

• 20-year payback
• 4% interest rate
• $2,000,000 from the district’s capital reserves
• average assessed home values of $426,385 in Caldwell and $448,558 in West Caldwell
• no state debt service aid

The Caldwell-West Caldwell Board of Education held an info session on the referendum at their Feb. 24 meeting with a focus on the new athletic center. Watch footage here (discussion begins at the 9:35 mark).

INFORMATION FOR VOTERS

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

Polls will be open in Caldwell and West Caldwell from 3 to 8 p.m. See a list of local polling stations for the March 11 referendum below.

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