Making Improvements Through Referendum Is Most Responsible Approach District Can Take
To the Editor:
I write in support of the PPS Facilities Bond Referendum and to encourage Princeton voters to approve of the three Referendum questions on the ballot on January 28.
As a longtime resident of Princeton whose children thrived in our schools (grades K-12) quite a few years ago, I feel strongly that Princeton voters today should support the proposed building improvements outlined in the referendum so that the students of today and tomorrow will have the same opportunity to thrive in school as my own kids did.
The proposed improvements are necessary to avoid current and future overcrowding, maintain small class sizes, continue some very important services and programs, create space to serve students better, and allow more students to attend their neighborhood school. From the district’s website and other materials, it is plain to see that much thought and attention has been put into the three referendum questions that address the various needs facing our schools today.
Question 1 provides funding to replace the end-of-life HVAC system at Princeton High School (PHS) and to expand and renovate Community Park School.
Question 2 provides funding to expand the overcrowded Princeton Middle School, and renovate/reconfigure PHS.
Question 3 provides funding for new classrooms and expanded common areas at Littlebrook School.
It’s important to highlight that Question 1 must pass in order for Question 2 to pass, and both Questions 1 and 2 must pass in order for Question 3 to pass.
It’s also crucial to note that making these vital improvements through this referendum is the most responsible approach the district can take. State aid comes only with a voter-approved referendum. If these referendum-funded projects are approved, the district will receive an estimated $19.9 million in debt service aid. Projects that are funded through the annual budget are not eligible for this state debt service aid. Thus, the impact on our local property taxes of these much-needed improvements is minimized.
As an advocate of affordable housing and socio-economic diversity in our town, I’m excited about all of the new housing (particularly the affordable units) going up, and I applaud the district for looking ahead and formulating a smart growth plan for current and future students of the PPS.
Please join me in support and vote Yes to all three questions on the ballot January 28.