PROPOSED PROJECTS
Bond funding finances big projects at a reduced cost to local taxes thanks to state aid. Our bond proposal includes a mix of critical repairs and upgrades to serve current and future students and the community better. All of the proposed projects qualify for state aid, but that money can only be given to the district if voters approve the bond referendum.
See a school-by-school breakdown of the projects!
CLASSROOM ADDITIONS FOR FULL-DAY KINDERGARTEN
Four kindergarten classrooms with restrooms would be added to Brookside Place School, Bloomingdale Avenue School, Walnut Avenue School, and Hillside Avenue School for a total of 16 full-day kindergarten classrooms in the district.
While we currently offer tuition-based full-day kindergarten, it’s in high demand and we cannot currently meet the need due to space issues.
Cranford is among a dwindling number of districts in New Jersey that do not offer free, full-day kindergarten. All but four districts in the state offer full-day kindergarten for all students, or already have voter approval to expand.
Full-day kindergarten has become an expected standard. The difference between a full-day kindergarten and a partial-day program could be a consideration for young homebuyers – and future taxpayers – for a host of reasons ranging from educational opportunities to the expense of private full-day programs.
FACILITY UPGRADES TO KEEP PACE WITH TODAY’S EDUCATIONAL STANDARDS
Improvements to our science labs, modernization of our media centers, and upgrades to our technology are crucial to ensure our students have the best possible learning experiences that are considered standard in today’s modern schools.
Cranford believes that a well-rounded education includes extracurriculars. This plan includes updates and enhancements to our performing arts spaces and plans for dedicated spaces for a culinary arts lab, digital photography studio, eSports room, and more.
BUILDING MAINTENANCE AND REPAIRS TO MAKE SCHOOLS MORE EFFICIENT AND MORE ACCESSIBLE
Our schools are well-maintained, but nothing withstands the march of time. Our facilities are in need of repairs and upgrades and voter-approved bond funding garners state aid to pay some of the costs.
Built in the 1930s, generations of Cranford High School students have used the same facilities for decades!
Renovated restrooms, parking lot paving, and a refresh of our crumbling entrance exterior are all part of the proposed improvements, along with modifications to make our buildings more accessible.
Window replacements on aged façades across the district would mean better cooling and heating efficiency, reducing utility costs.
Air conditioning would be added to select common spaces like all-purpose rooms, auditoriums, media centers, and gymnasiums.
Electrical upgrades would also be made in each school (except WAS, which has already received upgrades) to ensure the grid can handle the technological demands of the 21st century. These upgrades would also set the stage for additional air conditioning projects in the future.
QUESTIONS? Email vote@cranfordschools.org