Princeton Schools To Host Facilities Bond Referendum Forum Saturday

PRINCETON, NJ — Princeton Public Schools is hosting a public forum for the community on Saturday, Jan. 11, from 9 a.m. - 11 a.m. at the Princeton Middle School Auditorium.

The district is hosting the forum to help all Princeton residents make an informed vote on Tuesday, Jan. 28.

If there is snow on Saturday, the district will move to a virtual format and post a Zoom link on the district website.

District representatives, along with the architect, financial advisor, and bond counsel, will present a detailed overview of the bond referendum projects and funding strategy, and will answer the public’s questions.

The bond referendum proposes building expansions and renovations to accommodate enrollment growth from new and existing housing and replacing/rehabilitating the PHS end-of-life HVAC to reduce maintenance and energy costs and enhance health and basic comfort for students and staff.

Three questions will appear on the Jan. 28 ballot. Question 1 focuses on Community Park Elementary expansions and renovations and HVAC improvements at Princeton High School. Question 2 includes Princeton Middle School expansions and renovations at Princeton High School. Question 3 addresses expansions and renovations at Littlebrook Elementary. Question 1 must pass for Question 2 to pass, and Questions 1 and 2 must pass for Question 3 to pass.

If all three questions pass, the district would receive $19.9 million in state debt service aid. This funding is only accessible with a voter-approved referendum.

In-person voting will be held on Tuesday, Jan. 28, from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Here are the polling locations by district:

• Suzanne Patterson Center, 1 Monument Drive: District s1,2,6,7,10,12,14,20

• Hook & Ladder Fire House, 27 North Harrison St.: Districts 8, 13, 18

• Johnson Education Center, 1 Preservation Place: Districts 3, 4

• Princeton Public Schools Administration Building, 25 Valley Road: Districts 5, 9, 11, 15, 16, 17, 19

Residents can also vote by mail by downloading and filling out an application and sending it to the county clerk’s office in Trenton. The mail-in ballot should arrive by Jan. 21.

The county clerk’s office will also accept walk-in applications through 3 p.m. Jan. 27.

To check out the virtual forum offered last month, click on this recording.

Voters who want to see inside the schools can sign up for building tours, which will be offered through the weekend before the election. Sign up at princetonk12.org/buildingtours.

Visit princetonk12.org/future for more information on proposed projects, funding details, informational videos, and FAQs.

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