Princeton Schools To Host Virtual Community Forum On Dec. 9

PRINCETON, NJ – Princeton Public Schools is hosting a virtual forum on Monday, Dec. 9, at 7 p.m. for residents who want to learn more about the January 28 referendum.

A panel of district leaders and architects will offer an overview of the proposed building projects and funding strategy. They will also answer questions submitted during the virtual forum.

Residents can join the forum via Zoom. The session will be recorded and posted on princetonk12.org/future.

Enrollment growth from new and existing housing is driving the January 28 bond referendum. The proposed new classrooms, expanded core spaces, and building updates – including an end-of-life HVAC rehabilitation at PHS - will better serve current and future students.

The improvements would help maintain enriching programs and would allow more students to attend their neighborhood elementary schools.

“I am truly excited about this upcoming referendum and the ways it will enhance the educational experience for our students. The proposed projects are the result of several years of thoughtful research and planning by our board. In anticipation of the enrollment growth from new and existing housing, this referendum provides cost-effective solutions to expand capacity, renovate common areas, and update facilities to better support our students now and in the future,” Interim Superintendent Kathie Foster said in a statement.

“I look forward to engaging with the community and sharing more information about this referendum during the upcoming forums,”

The referendum is divided into three questions; if all three pass, the district would receive $19.9 million in state debt service aid. That funding is only available with a voter-approved referendum.

Question 1 would expand and renovate Community Park Elementary, and install new, cost-efficient HVAC systems at Princeton High School.

Question 2 would expand and renovate Princeton Middle School, and create more classroom space at Princeton High School, and could only pass if Question 1 passes.

Question 3 covers expansion and renovations at Littlebrook Elementary, and could only pass if Questions 2 and 3 are approved.

The majority of new development – around 1,000 units over the next five years – is coming to the Community Park and Littlebrook sending zones.

The owner of the average assessed home in Princeton could expect an annual tax impact of around $222 for the projects in Question 1; around $447 for the improvements in Questions 1 and 2; and around $543 for the projects contained in all three questions.

The district is offering a variety of ways to inform voters leading up to the January 28 election.

Vote-by-mail ballots will soon be sent to community members who have previously voted by mail. Those who want to apply to vote by mail can download an application on the Voter Info page at princetonk12.org/future.

In addition to Monday’s virtual forum, residents have the opportunity to learn about the referendum through:

• Building tours – Various dates are available at Community Park, Littlebrook, Princeton Middle School, and Princeton High School. Sign up at princetonk12.org/buildingtours.

• In-person community forum – Saturday, January 11, 9-11 a.m., Princeton Middle School auditorium

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