Westfield Unveils Timeline For School Renovation Projects

WESTFIELD, NJ — The Westfield community got a further look at the status and plans for school renovations being done across the district at the Board of Education's latest meeting in November.

Representatives from FKA Architects presented an updated timeline for construction being done over the next few years after a bond referendum was approved in April. Adjustments to facilities will include space for full-day kindergarten, updated HVAC systems, and new instructional areas.

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"What's driving the main schedule is the additions for full-day kindergarten," Michael Bieri, President of FKA Architects, said while speaking to the room. Building enhancements for added instructional space are estimated to be completed by 2028

Franklin Elementary School, Jefferson Elementary School, McKinley Elementary School, Tamaques Elementary School, Wilson Elementary School, and Washington Elementary School will all have full-day kindergarten.

Franklin Elementary School is also slated to get upgrades to its playgrounds and a drop-off drive loop area in the Summer of 2026.

Among the other Summer 2026 projects are renovated restrooms for Jefferson Elementary, Tamaques Elementary, Wilson Elementary, and Washington Elementary.

In Summer 2027, Edison Intermediate School and Roosevelt Intermediate School will have renovated locker rooms and small group instruction spaces.

A timeline for projects at Westfield High School, including renovations to the auditorium, locker rooms, and air conditioning installation in the cafeteria and gymnasium, is still being constructed.

"The schedule is titled 'Timeline 1.0', as things move forward, sometimes things change and shuffle a bit, so this is a draft schedule," Bieri added.

FKA is currently working on an electric service package that will be presented to potential providers before construction begins.

The $226 million project includes $188.7 million for large-scale building upgrades and $37.2 million for additions needed to implement full-day kindergarten. Along with the 30-year bonds being issued, $57.5 million in state-awarded debt service aid will go towards covering the cost.

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