A bond referendum is a vote by the public that could allow borrowing through the sale of bonds. The Haworth Public School District has chosen this financial strategy for several reasons. A leading motivation is the financial advantage of spreading costs over many years, much like a consumer would pay a mortgage or car loan. Also, state funding for school construction projects is only available through the referendum process.

But in addition to financial incentives, a referendum gives the community a voice. The proposed projects are part of our plan for continuous improvement, and they are grounded by the goals identified by stakeholders of the community during the strategic planning process. Extending that process to a public vote gives the community an important role in determining the district’s future.

The district seeks to serve students’ most immediate needs by expanding classroom space and adding modern, technology-centered facilities. A new Maker Space would help students develop relevant, competitive skills while encouraging their creativity and critical thinking abilities. A new Middle School Media Center, giving older students a dedicated area, would support a focus on projects and research, and would create more room for technology and educational materials. A Student/Staff Learning Center, also in the Middle School wing, would offer space and screens for student presentations and distance learning opportunities.

The addition of four classrooms would address a number of issues, including the space restrictions that prevent some students with special needs from attending their home district of Haworth. The proposal also calls for expanding the gym to regulation size and adding bleacher seating. Building renovations would create a long-awaited pre-K classroom and move Child Study Team Offices from a trailer outside the school to space that offers more privacy.

The bond proposal is rooted in a strategic planning process that took place during the 2018-2019 school year. That study of the building, curriculum and culture involved community stakeholders, including students, families and teachers. The process produced a report of recommended objectives, including the addition of innovative instructional spaces, particularly those that expose students to cutting-edge technology.

Technology literacy is a necessity for today’s students. Immersing students in an environment where they can explore skills such as robotics, 3D printing and virtual reality would prepare them for their education and experiences beyond Haworth Public School. Most Haworth students go on to Northern Valley Regional High School, where some courses build on a foundation in engineering and design.

Additional classrooms would support the education of more Haworth students with special needs in their home district. A number of students currently attend schools in other districts that can provide the space and services they require. The creation of classroom space on the lower level also would allow the long-awaited addition of pre-K, providing a convenience that is available in every other Northern Valley district.

The proposed projects are not only about the future of students, but the future of our community. High-quality schools are a major driver in drawing and retaining residents. They impact property values and the general perception of the borough. Comparisons to surrounding districts are inevitable. We are committed to providing the best for our students, and that means keeping pace with the high standard of education in our state and region.

The referendum includes projects that are critical to Haworth students' current and future needs. The proposal encompasses improvements such as much-needed classroom space that would help maintain small class sizes; expansion of innovative instruction and 21st century skills; facility upgrades to accommodate a pre-K program and more Haworth students with special needs; and extending the gym to regulation size.

A strategic planning process helped determine these projects are vital to preparing students for high school and beyond. The forward-thinking improvements are also essential to continuing the high quality of education and services that draw families to Haworth.

If the referendum fails, the Board of Education will have to determine other ways to complete the needed projects. Any other funding method would not have the benefit of state aid. Plus, construction prices will only rise if projects are delayed.

Haworth Public School District aims to fully prepare students for the opportunities and expectations of modern life. That requires technology-centered facilities such as a new Maker Space, where students would learn robotics, 3D printing and other digital skills. The proposed Middle School Media Center and Student/Staff Learning Center would be hubs for research, collaborative projects and presentations – all foundations of secondary and higher education, and the workplace.

The district currently lacks the space to serve all students in their home district. Some children must receive the specialized services they need in neighboring districts that have room for dedicated classrooms. Students who do receive services such as physical and occupational therapy at Haworth sometimes work with staff in the hallways or on the stage because of space limitations. The addition of four classrooms would ensure that more students could stay in their home district. It’s the right thing to do.

Proposed renovations include converting a lower-level area into offices for the Child Study Team. This would allow the Child Study Team to move from its deteriorating modular classroom into a more private, welcoming space.

Much like the community of Haworth itself, our school has a close-knit atmosphere. Teachers get to know students personally, and can provide individualized attention and more customized instruction because of small class sizes. The addition of four classrooms would allow Haworth to preserve small class sizes, among other benefits.

Education practices have changed over the years. The bulk of classroom space used to house rows of single desks; now it is more likely used for “sit and listen” space plus “move and do” space for collaboration. The number of students with special needs has been rising, and those students are guaranteed services to meet their needs while they attend school.

Already the district has carved out space: Some special education support programs take place in hallways or on the stage, and the Board of Education conference room was converted to two small classrooms. Over the summer of 2021, our 2nd and 3rd grades each grew from two to three sections, leaving 5th grade as the only two-section grade in the building. Parents in our community value low class sizes and the interpersonal relationships they support.

Haworth has a great relationship with Northern Valley Regional High School and regularly reviews and tweaks its curriculum so that our 8th-grade graduates are prepared for their next steps. But without more dedication to future-focused areas like engineering and robotics, Haworth students start 9th grade with an exposure to, rather than deeper experience with STEAM -- the blending of concepts from science, technology, engineering, art and math.

Our 6th-period Science Lab helps them explore a rotation of hands-on tech topics. Outside of that exposure, there is no specific time of the day, or even time of the week, that is dedicated to STEAM-driven lessons. Haworth teachers are ready and eager to instruct students in a full STEAM curriculum beginning at a younger age, when hands-on knowledge can build excitement and motivation for high school and beyond. Haworth’s Strategic Plan, formulated by community members, called for an innovative, technology-centered space to support such instruction and ensure Haworth students would not have to play catch-up when they start high school.

Maintaining small class sizes by adding classrooms is particularly important for younger students. Proposed renovations on the school’s lower level would create a pre-K classroom. The existing Media Center would be revamped to focus on play-based learning and creativity for the exclusive use of elementary school students. Moving the Child Study Team offices into the building would allow the district to remove the modular classroom that currently houses the team, and reclaim the space for playground use.

A Middle School Media Center dedicated to older children would give them an age-appropriate space with the materials and technology they need for researching projects and studying. The Middle School wing also would gain a Student/Staff Learning Center, providing a space for students to work on group projects and presentations. The technology-equipped room would be a base for distance learning, allowing students to connect with guest speakers and peers at other schools. A separate, glass-enclosed building entrance also would be constructed at the Middle School, enhancing convenience as well as a sense of identity for students in the upper grades.

Creating a more defined program for the maturing Middle School students would not completely separate them from younger students. Much like giving an older sibling his own room, dedicating space to Middle School students supports increased independence and focus. The district would continue to nurture positive interaction among students of all age groups, as outlined in our Strategic Plan.

The community members developing that plan cited the benefits of partnerships, with older students acting as role models for younger ones, and even working together in cross-grade projects. Those are some of the special opportunities that come from having grades K-8 under one roof.

The district’s architects have outlined a phased approach to project construction. The first phase would include work on four new classrooms and additions to the Middle School wing – including a Maker Space, Middle School Media Center and Student/Staff Learning Center adjacent to new administrative offices. Phase 2 would cover the gym expansion, the conversion of the existing Media Center for elementary students’ exclusive use, and lower-level renovations to create space for Child Study Team offices and a pre-K classroom.

Planning would ensure that construction work stays clear of active areas of the building. With voter approval, a referendum held this winter will enable detailed design planning and construction document preparation to begin this spring. The next steps of getting competitive price bids for projects and applying for permits would take place over the summer. The construction timeline estimates Phase 1 work from 2022-2023 while Phase 2 projects would be completed from 2023-2024.

Bond borrowing allows the district to spread costs over time. Haworth would borrow through the sale of bonds for a 20-year term. Interest rates are not secured until bonds are sold, but they are projected to remain at favorable levels. Combined with the advantage of state aid, bond borrowing lets a school district complete projects in significantly less time than if the improvements were paid for through 100% local taxes or a slow accumulation of capital reserve funds.

The project costs are $8.2 million but Haworth will pay $2 million from its capital reserves up-front, so the district will borrow $6.2 million through the sale of bonds. An additional $478,000 in state aid, available only through a voter-approved bond referendum, would also ease the local share. The remaining $5,749,479 in bond borrowing would be paid back over 20 years, with a tax impact of $24.79 per month for the average homeowner.

Haworth Public School District is using $2 million from its capital reserves to reduce the tax impact of the $8.2 million project costs. State aid will contribute another $478,000. The owner of the average home assessed at $630,681 would pay $24.79 per month.

• Haworth anticipates generating approximately $11,000 in annual tuition per pre-K student; this amount also could be realized in savings from those students returning to the district for special education services.

• Haworth currently pays tuition to other districts that have the resources to educate these local children. Students with special needs are entitled by state law to attend a pre-K program.

• At this tuition rate, enrolling 20 students in a pre-K program would generate $220,000 in annual revenue.

• The cost of hiring a new teacher is about $80,000 in salary plus benefits; employing two aides would be an additional expense of $50,000. Current staff could supplement supervision, reading services and other classroom needs.

• The balance between tuition revenue and staffing costs would result in a profit of approximately $90,000.

• Aftercare would be another potential source of revenue.

The state requires project cost estimates to include a contingency. That helps account for any unforeseen project expenses or price fluctuations. The district is not permitted to spend beyond the amount that was approved by voters. If actual costs exceed estimates, the district will adjust its plans.

The district is not authorized to spend referendum funds on other projects. So , if costs are lower, the difference would be returned to taxpayers in the form of debt relief.

While market value describes a home's anticipated selling price, assessed value is a lower figure used to calculate how much property tax a homeowner will pay. The average home assessment in Haworth is $630,681 . You can check your home’s assessed value by using this website to search for your property.

The State of New Jersey has a property tax rebate program for seniors and people with disabilities who meet income eligibility requirements. The program "freezes" the amount that eligible residents pay, even if the community's tax rate rises. More information about the Senior Tax Freeze program is here.

Anyone who is registered to vote with a Haworth address can participate in the March bond referendum. Search the state database to check on your registration status.

Make sure your information is up-to-date by the registration deadline of Feb. 15. Visit the New Jersey Voter Information Portal to fill out a voter registration form online. If you prefer to mail a paper registration form, they are available here .

The voter registration deadline is Feb. 15.

Voting will be open from 6 a.m.. to 8 p.m. Tuesday, March 8., at Haworth Public School, 205 Valley Road.

If you already have applied to Vote By Mail, no action is required for you to receive a ballot a few weeks before the election.

If you wish to apply to Vote By Mail, you can print and mail the application to the County Clerk’s Office. To have a ballot mailed, applications must be received 7 days before the election, by March 1.

Mail-in ballots must be postmarked by March 8.

If you arrive at Haworth Public School to vote and are told your ballot was mailed to you, or that you cannot vote for any other reason, ask for a provisional ballot. This allows your vote to be counted once your voter eligibility is checked and after other ballots are processed.