projects

Security Entrances and Equipment

The proposal would significantly upgrade security by creating specially designed vestibules at each school except School 17, which already has that kind of entrance. Those enclosed vestibules would allow visitors to be screened before they are admitted. Integration would link new phone, public address, and lighting systems with video surveillance and lockdown systems. This project also would address the need for security camera upgrades, panic buttons, and the expansion of access controls to nearly every door in the district. Depending on the school, these more secure entrances will be built within the existing structure, make use of a portico, or be constructed entirely new. In all cases, the result will be a two-step entrance that is ADA friendly.

HVAC: Heating/Ventilation/Air Conditioning

Clifton’s High School, two middle schools and the majority of its elementary schools have outdated HVAC equipment and lack air conditioning. Ventilation units that were installed as much as 60 years ago need to be replaced with more efficient, all-purpose equipment, because energy and repair costs are eating into the operating budget. Warm days are a concern, with classes not ending until late June, but comfort measured by temperature is only part of the issue. We also recognize that for our many students who have asthma and/or seasonal allergies, comfort comes from a climate-controlled environment. Security procedures prevent the opening of windows and outer doors, and that makes efficient climate control even more important. Updated equipment also would provide the advanced air filtration that has become a greater priority since the start of the pandemic.

Old boilers are past their useful lifespan. New boilers are more energy efficient with automated controls. Old, bulky boilers would be replaced with more modern versions. They would be smaller and installed in sets that cycle on and off as needed for better efficiency.

Boiler Upgrades for Energy Efficient Warmth

As part of the improvements to climate control systems, Clifton Public Schools needs to replace old boilers that are well past their useful life with newer, more energy effective boilers that have automated controls. The referendum proposal calls for boiler upgrades at School 2, School 3, School 12, School 15, Clifton High School, Christopher Columbus Middle School, Woodrow Wilson Middle School and the Clifton Administration Building.

The old boilers currently do the important job of generating heat for most, if not all, of the buildings. In some cases, the age of the equipment means repair parts are tough to get. While boilers generate heat, the HVAC systems are what moves it through the buildings. The proposal also includes upgrades to those systems.

Bathroom Upgrades

High-traffic areas like bathrooms take on a lot of wear and tear, even in a private home. Imagine the level of use for a school bathroom over many decades! Almost all of the district's bathrooms are in need of renovation; some are original to 100-year-old buildings.

Old bathrooms do not meet ADA standards.

With the exception of the bathrooms at School 17 and CELA B (Clifton Early Learning Academy Brighton), which are both newer buildings, the bond proposal would upgrade all of the district's bathrooms into modern, fully accessible facilities that are easy to maintain -- like the sample shown here with modern fixtures and tile. The investment would improve ventilation, and replace old ceilings, floors, walls and light fixtures.

Auditorium renovations

The auditoriums at School 3 and Christopher Columbus and Woodrow Wilson middle schools require attention to become fully functional, modern facilities. The project would replace broken seats, ceiling and lighting fixtures; improve acoustics; and upgrade floors and walls. These changes would enhance the experience for community visitors as well as students, parents and staff.

Accessibility

A number of projects aim to improve access for people with disabilities. Clifton already has elevators at its High School and WMMS, but an elevator at Christopher Columbus Middle School would accommodate students and staff at that building who have temporary or permanent disabilities. As of now, some students might be re-assigned to other schools because the bathrooms are not accessible. Bathroom renovations would resolve this issue, and would bring all school restrooms in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The addition of seating at Woodrow Wilson Middle School field would expand access for the community at large.

Renovated auditoriums would have better lighting and more comfortable seating, and would meet ADA standards for accessibility.

Dirt fields cannot recover quickly enough for today’s heavy demands, and the loss of grass cover can lead to rain-collecting mud pits.

Weight Room Expansion, Turf Field and Field House Addition

The current weight room at Clifton Stadium is limited in size and equipment. An investment in expanding the weight room would accommodate the needs of all students, as well as all of the athletic programs that help fuel student engagement and community pride. Sorely needed repairs to the boys’ and girls’ locker rooms would also be part of this project.

The proposal presents an exciting opportunity to build a durable, multipurpose turf field at Woodrow Wilson Middle School that could be used by the entire community. Youth sports teams would benefit from this upgrade, which would replace a worn out, flood-prone grass field. Turf can withstand heavy use, requires much less maintenance than a grass field, and isn't as attractive to animals like cats and geese. The addition of seating and a simple field house – with bathrooms – would finally complete this area into a more useful and attractive facility for Clifton’s young people and families.

Costs by Category, and Costs/Projects by School:

School by School Projects and Costs.pdf

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