KENILWORTH REFERENDUM PROJECTS

Countdown to completion!

Major referendum projects are entering their final phases of construction as of spring 2025.

David Brearley Middle High-School now has a new, more secure and visually appealing entrance. Work continues on the Brearley's new wing. The building addition is targeted for completion by July, and the expanded DBMHS will welcome students -- including its first class of sixth-graders -- in September 2025.

The Brearley auditorium renovations were completed in time for the school to host its winter concert in December.The updates included new auditorium seats, a refinished stage, a new ceiling with aesthetic and acoustical benefits, and a new sound system. Renovations continue on the 100-year-old Harding auditorium.

Before the 2024-25 school year began, Kenilworth community members joined an opening celebration for the new synthetic turf field and track. The turf field was actually finished in June 2024, in time to host DBMHS' graduation.

The grass fields used for baseball and softball also were upgraded.

Inside our schools, new, energy-efficient HVAC equipment has made classrooms and other student spaces healthier and more comfortable..

Thanks to Brearley math teacher Mr. Shapiro for sharing his view of the construction process through time-lapse videos.

Watch as projects develop

Why Kenilworth Public Schools held a bond referendum in October 2022

Our community has a sense of ownership in Kenilworth Public Schools, and with good reason. The district provides a sense of connection in our small town. Plus, many residents attended our schools before sending their children here.

When we began evaluating major building needs a few years ago, we listened to the community. That’s why our bond referendum included items such as space to expand pre-K, more classrooms for science and technology, and upgraded sports facilities.

At the same time, Kenilworth Public Schools was increasingly focused on innovation and supporting students’ social and emotional needs.

All of our plans converged on the road to a stronger future. Now, with a voter-approved referendum, we’re planning projects including a Brearley expansion that will give middle school students their own space for learning and social experiences and provide a high-tech science wing for high school students.

It’s a big leap for Kenilworth schools and our community. We look forward to taking it together.

The timeline: A plan for steady progress

The bond referendum projects started taking shape in the spring of 2023 and will culminate in the creation of a distinct middle school at Brearley that will welcome its first sixth-graders in September 2025.

The district awarded three packages of referendum contracts:

Package 1: Athletic area - Synthethic turf field and track (not grass fields); drainage; new fencing and repair/replace walkways

Package 2: HVAC upgrades - New classroom unit ventilators; addition of energy-saving building management system; new rooftop units and other system upgrades

Package 3: Building additions and renovations – Two-story Brearley addition for middle school classrooms and high school science wing; new Brearley lobby/entrance (near parking lot); conversion of auxiliary gym into middle school gym/cafeteria; grass field upgrades; middle school drop-off loop; Harding and Brearley auditorium renovations

The new Brearley lobby will have a modern, open layout.

A rendering of the future David Brearley Middle School entrance.

New seats for the renovated Harding (left) and Brearley auditoriums.