School Facilities Bond Referendum Approved by Voters
By Donald Gilpin
In unofficial results from a Tuesday, January 28, special election, Princeton residents cast their ballots in favor of all three parts of a plan that will provide $89.1 million for renovation and expansion in the Princeton Public Schools (PPS).
“This outcome shows that voters understand that the continued success of Princeton Public Schools is vital to the community,” said Interim Superintendent of Schools Kathie Foster. “With these improvements, our district can prepare for growth and prioritize the neighborhood elementary schools and innovative educational experiences that our community values.”
Expressing her gratitude for the Princeton voters’ support, PPS Board of Education (BOE) President Dafna Kendal wrote in a February 3 email, “The passage of the three referendum questions will allow us to address capacity issues at several of the schools, ensure the HVAC systems at PHS (Princeton High School) are functioning safely and efficiently, and plan for future student enrollment growth.”
She continued, “The approval of the referendum is the culmination of a more than six-year process by the Board and administration to plan for rising enrollment and accommodate changes in teaching and learning. The addition of 23 classrooms and the expansion of common areas will ensure that the district has sufficient capacity to welcome all students for years to come.”
Kendal also noted that the community will benefit from $19.9 million in state debt service aid to help pay for these improvements.
With all votes counted except for provisional and a few more mail-in ballots, the tally on Question 1, calling for expansion and renovation at Community Park Elementary and the installation of new HVAC systems at PHS at a cost of $37.9M, was 2,075 (61.7 percent ) Yes and 1,317 (38.83 percent) No.
On Question 2, proposing expansion and renovation at Princeton Middle School and the creation of more classroom space at PHS at a cost of $38.3M, there were 1,973 (58.32 percent) Yes votes and 1,410 (41.68 percent) No votes.
On Question 3, voters approved expansion and renovations at Littlebrook Elementary at a cost of $12.9M, with 1,890 (55.90 percent) Yes votes and 1,491 (44.10 percent) No votes.
In the totals counted so far there have been 3,394 ballots cast (20.92 percent) out of 16,227 registered Princeton voters. Mercer County Clerk Paula Sollami Covello said that the County Board of Elections is meeting on February 11, and the final results will be officially certified on February 11 or 12.
The tax impact of the facilities bond on an average assessed home value of $853,136 is estimated at $532 annually.
Kendal pointed out that the BOE and district officials are currently working to finalize construction and renovation plans, but the goal is to have the additions ready by fall 2028, with some renovations being completed after that.
The environmental impact of the referendum projects is expected to be significant with the district’s consulting engineer estimating savings on energy and maintenance between $150,000 and $200,000 per year with new HVAC at PHS. The BOE Operations Committee was scheduled to interview two energy consultants on Wednesday, February 5, and hoping to move forward soon on the installation of solar panels for the schools.
Kendal went on to emphasize that the district is looking forward to welcoming new students, providing additional support for diverse learners in the new small instruction and flexible spaces, “and continuing the high level of programming that Princeton Public Schools is known for.”