PPS Facilities Bond Referendum
Tuesday, January 28, 2025
Tuesday, January 28, 2025
Our public schools need immediate expansion and upgrades to continue providing students with high-quality programming K-12 and to maintain neighborhood elementary schools with optimal class sizes for learning. School improvements take years to complete.
We have prioritized cost-effective, value-based school improvements that will be presented in three questions for voter approval on Jan. 28. The bond referendum allows PPS to access $19.9 million in state debt service funding if all three questions pass.
WATCH AND LEARN about the needs driving the Jan. 28 referendum
See video playlist for more on the projects proposed in the three-question ballot.
Planning Priorities
Maintaining optimal class sizes as Princeton’s population grows
Continuing valued programs and services
Preserving a neighborhood school model, with elementary schools within walking distance of as many students as possible
Reducing the impact of redistricting
Updating end-of-life HVAC systems to provide healthy learning and teaching spaces
The Referendum in Numbers
23 New Classrooms (Including Science Labs)
5 New Small-Group Instruction Rooms
3 Expanded Cafeterias/Multipurpose Rooms
1 New PMS Multipurpose Room
1 Expanded Elementary Library
5 Expanded/Renovated Performing Arts Spaces
2 New Performing Arts Spaces
1 Updated & Efficient HVAC System @ PHS
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= RIGHT-SIZED SCHOOLS FOR
TODAY & TOMORROW
ATTEND OUR IN-PERSON COMMUNITY FORUM
Saturday, Jan. 11, 9-11 a.m., Princeton Middle School Auditorium
Hear from district leaders and consultants * Ask questions
TAKE A BUILDING TOUR
SIGN UP HERE FOR BUILDING TOURS
COMMUNITY PARK
BUILDING TOURS
Wednesday, Jan. 8, 3:30 p.m.
LITTLEBROOK
BUILDING TOURS
Tuesday, Jan. 14, 4 p.m.
PRINCETON MIDDLE SCHOOL
BUILDING TOURS
Thursday, Jan. 16, 3:30 p.m.
PRINCETON HIGH SCHOOL
BUILDING TOURS
Wednesday, Jan. 15, 6:15 p.m.
Friday, Jan. 24, 5:30 p.m.
Sunday, Jan. 26, 10 a.m.
Watch recording of virtual forum
Experts shared details and answered questions at the Dec. 9 forum. Go directly to the time stamps for more on these topics:
10:10 - Architect discusses proposed improvements
28:22 - Would PMS expansion be more than a short-term fix?
33:00 - Why Westminster property can't meet immediate district needs
51:30 - How do flexible classrooms and small-group instruction rooms support modern educational needs?
58:18 - What maintenance and building projects were addressed in previous bond referendums?
Benefits of a Bond Referendum
A voter-approved referendum comes with several financial advantages for taxpayers:
Funding to complete improvements within a few years
The ability to spread the cost of the projects over time; all Princeton residents – including future residents – would share in the investment over the borrowing term
State debt service aid that reduces the amount required from local taxpayers to make major improvements
Residents across the state pay into the revenue that funds debt service aid through taxes, but only communities that vote to approve referendums can bring some of those state dollars back home
The referendum ballot consists of three questions, each addressing a different need.
Community Park Elementary School: New construction would add classrooms and a multipurpose room/gym, and renovations would create a larger cafeteria, library, and music room. (Question 1)
Princeton Middle School: New science classrooms and flexible instruction space would accommodate modern learning needs. The cafeteria would be expanded and renovated, and a multipurpose room would be added. The vocal music and band rooms also would be expanded. (Question 2)
Princeton High School: The school's HVAC systems would be replaced and rehabbed (Question 1).
The district technology offices would move to the expanded middle school, freeing up space for student instruction. The student-run Numina Art Gallery also would be updated. (Question 2)
Littlebrook Elementary School: New classrooms and a vocal music room would be part of an addition, and the student support services area and small-group instruction areas would be renovated. (Question 3)
What if it doesn’t pass?
Without the building improvements and additional space proposed in the referendum, we can expect ongoing budget strains and changes in students’ day-to-day experiences. Click image for more details.
