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VOTE ON SEPTEMBER 16
Voters approved the bond referendum!
Voters approved the bond referendum!
Though the count is unofficial, results indicate that voters approved the North Plainfield School District’s referendum. The plan includes improvements at every school, with major upgrades to science labs, the high school media center, auditorium, and culinary arts program.
As of Tuesday night, the tally included 741 votes in favor and 178 opposed. Totals will be updated in the coming days as officials count mail-in and verify provisional ballots. Updates will be posted on this website.
On behalf of the district administration and Board of Education, we thank North Plainfield residents for their time and consideration of this proposal, and for participating in the voting process. We look forward to moving ahead with improvements that will benefit students and the community.
Our staff and professional advisors are working hard to correct storm damage, prevent further damage, and assess what needs to happen next. We will continue to provide updates as progress is made and timelines become clearer. Our priority remains the health and safety of all students and staff as we prepare for a successful return to school.
Old Buildings Need Repairs + Renovations
Old Buildings Need Repairs + Renovations
We approach each day with the goal of Unlocking Potential and Creating Impact. To accomplish that, we must provide North Plainfield students with schools that are secure, learning spaces that are designed for modern instruction, and an operating budget that is strong and stable.
The September 16 bond referendum asks residents to consider investing $34 million for large-scale improvements in our schools. Of that amount, $19.1 million would come from state funding – not local taxes.
From security features and heating/cooling upgrades to science labs and a media center, North Plainfield School District would gain significant upgrades.
Importantly, all of these improvements would be paid for within the existing tax rate for school debt: Zero Tax Impact.
POLL LOCATIONS
Voters can go to either East End or Stony Brook Elementary School, even though sample ballots will show them assigned to one specific location.
Polls open 6 a.m. to 8 p.m.
More info on the Vote page.
Watch this video with the key points about the No Tax Impact Referendum.
Virtual Community Forum Recording
Virtual Community Forum Recording
On Wednesday, Aug. 13 community members heard from district leaders and financial and architectural advisors who led the planning for the bond referendum.
Please use these timestamps to find a specific segment of the presentation:
Welcome & Introduction (Dr. Mark Kruszczynski, Board of Education President): 0:05 - 4:00
Update on Flash Flooding Impact (Dr. Michelle Aquino, Superintendent of Schools) 4:00 - 5:33
Why a Referendum? (Dr. Michelle Aquino & Ms. Pamela Graziano, Business Administrator): 5:34 - 8:18
Zero Tax Impact (Ms. Pamela Graziano): 8:19 - 10:07
Ballot Explanation (Ms. Amy Baumgaertel, Bond Counsel): 10:08 - 12:45
Funding Strategy (Ms. Robbi Acampora, Financial Advisor): 12:46 - 14:36
Architect's Overview of Projects (Mr. William Bannister, Architect): 14:37 - 12:24
Potential Student Impact of Proposed Projects (Mr. Joseph Krouse, North Plainfield High School Principal): 12:25 - 27:17
Questions from the Audience: 27:25 - 49:47
How to Vote (Dr. Michelle Aquino): 49:48 - 52:42
Closing (Dr. Mark Kruszczynski): 52:43 - 53:42
In-Person Community Forum on Sept. 4
In-Person Community Forum on Sept. 4
The public is invited to an in-person forum starting at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, September 4 in the cafeteria of North Plainfield High School (34 Wilson Avenue). A tour will give people a chance to see areas proposed for renovation, followed by time for questions and answers.
5 REASONS FOR
A REFERENDUM
5 REASONS FOR
A REFERENDUM
A school district can sell bonds to finance large-scale projects, similar to the way a homeowner uses a home equity loan to replace a roof or air conditioner. Voter approval is required.
When bond funding is used, the State of New Jersey offers to pay a portion of the project costs. The state has committed to paying 56% of the proposed improvements.
That would reduce the local tax share by $19.1 million.
Our community is close to paying off debt from the last major school improvements, and this timing means we can offer new improvements with no tax increase. Voters are asked to continue paying about the same rate (actually $12 a year LESS!).
Our buildings are well-maintained, but infrastructure updates can’t be ignored -- especially when they lead to costly repairs, impact the security of our schools, or limit the instruction of our students.
How Can We Reimagine Our Schools?
How Can We Reimagine Our Schools?
Proposed improvements would make a positive impact at almost every school. As the most recently updated school, Somerset Intermediate School does not need major improvements. The referendum plan considers needs at the other five buildings.
Some projects play a role in security, accessibility, windows and HVAC (heating, ventilation and air conditioning). Read about them on the Security + HVAC page.
Other projects support the academic and student experiences that our families and community count on. Read about them on the Instructional page.
5 ways you can learn more
NPSD’s administration and Board of Education urge all residents to learn about the Zero Tax Impact Referendum that would reimagine our schools.
Read this website, and check back often for added information. This site is the main source of accurate, up-to-date information.
Watch a recording of a webinar-style forum. The recording includes a presentation and time for questions and answers.
Come to an in-person forum at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, September 4 in the cafeteria of North Plainfield High School (34 Wilson Avenue in North Plainfield). It will include a presentation, a tour to see areas proposed for renovation, and time for questions and answers.
Watch a short video about the main needs and solutions driving this Zero Tax Impact Referendum and understand how NPSD can get $34 million in improvements within the existing tax rate. Video coming soon!
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