PROJECTS

Our community has an opportunity to bring home significant state aid toward impactful school improvements. If voters approve the September 15 bond referendum, the state aid will reduce taxpayers’ share of the project costs. Plus, the district will get upfront funding to complete construction within a few years.

Roselle Public Schools is proposing projects to address long-standing needs and create spaces that truly support today’s learners.

WHY A NEW SCHOOL?

The future home for Pre-K–2 students if the bond referendum passes

The proposal for a PreK–2 school on Chandler Avenue represents more than a new building -- it would be a district-wide transformation to create better learning environments, more optimal grade-level structures, and long-term benefits for students, staff and the community.

By moving early childhood education into a modern, district-owned facility, Roselle Public Schools can better support its youngest learners, improve space and programming across existing schools, and create opportunities for greater community connection.

CURRENT SPACE AT KINDERGARTEN SUCCESS ACADEMY

Storage is very limited at the Kindergarten Success Academy, so supplies take up classroom space.

The district must purchase - and store - water cooler containers because the school's water fountains are not usable.

There are no designated classrooms for special subjects. The art teacher's desk and supplies are in a hallway.

Kindergarten Success Academy students share space with students from another school. Outdoor play spaces is limited.

More than 300 kindergarten students currently attend classes at the Kindergarten Success Academy, rented space that is shared with students at another school
The district began renting space in the 2025-25 school year to accommodate more preschool students, but still has a waiting list
At the Kindergarten Success Academy, students share spaces like lunchrooms, have limited gym access, and walk off-site for outdoor play
Classrooms are inconsistent in size, impacting learning activities and equity across spaces
Students must leave classrooms to use bathrooms, reducing instructional time
Limited storage leads to stacks of supplies encroaching on classroom space
There are no dedicated spaces for specials such as art and music; teachers of these subjects store materials and desks in hallways
Building layout is not optimal for young children; kindergartners must climb up and down multiple flights of stairs throughout the day
Nurse’s office lacks a sink and bathroom, so hand sanitizer is substituted for handwashing

BENEFITS FOR ALL

PreK-2

A building dedicated to and designed for early childhood education, allowing for intentional ground-up planning
Classrooms of equal size that have bathrooms
Fewer flights of stairs for youngest learners: PreK and Grade1 (1st floor), Kindergarten and Grade 1 (2nd floor), Grade 1 and 2 (3rd floor)
Strong foundation for long-term academic and social growth
Capacity to support growth in the district

District-wide

Reconfigured grade levels would require fewer transitions
Moving PreK and K would free up space across elementary schools
Increased storage and more efficient use of space districtwide

Community

Dedicated district building for early education would strengthen community identity
Providing ample and predictable space for PreK and kindergarten would better serve families
Major school improvements would make Roselle a more desirable area for current and future residents
Auditorium in Chandler Avenue school could be used for community events
Would restore $544,000 in annual rental costs to the annual budget

PROJECTS BY SCHOOL

Harrison, Polk & Washington Elementary

Schools would shift from serving grades 1-4 to grades 3-5, and would reclaim space when PreK and K move to new building
Dedicated makerspaces for hands-on, future-focused STEAM learning
Installation of security vestibules to improve building safety

Grace Wilday & Leonard V. Moore

Both schools would serve students in grades 6-8 (Leonard V. Moore is currently for grades 5-6 and Grace Wilday is for 7-8)

New, on-site trailers would supplement classroom space
Students would choose a school pathway based on their interests
- Grace Wilday – School of the Arts
- Leonard V. Moore – School of Innovation
Dedicated makerspaces for hands-on, future-focused STEAM learning
Installation of security vestibules to improve building safety

Abraham Clark High School

Auditorium restoration designed to preserve the historic character of the space

Repainted and restored walls and ceiling, and new carpeting and drapes create better experience for students and spectators; auditorium would have increased potential for community use
New balcony railing would enhance safety
New light fixtures and stage lighting system, and refinished stage floor for improved production capabilities

Installation of security vestibules to improve building safety

THE PRIORITIES BEHIND THE PROJECTS

See arrows below images on right for more information on projects

STRONG START

Eliminate the waiting list for PreK
Provide a solid academic and social foundation for our students
Offer seamless access to intervention services and other programs under one roof
Use district-owned space instead of rentals to provide stability for our community and budget

INNOVATION

Adding makerspaces to Polk, Harrison and Washington elementary schools, and Leonard V. Moore and Grace Wilday junior high schools would:

Convert existing classrooms into hands-on learning spaces
Expand opportunities in science, design, and engineering
Support collaboration, creativity, and problem-solving skills
Brings modern, interactive learning into multiple schools

SECURITY

Security vestibules and safety upgrades at ALL schools would:

Screen all visitors before they enter school buildings
Connect security intercom cameras to the main office
Add upgraded security systems and interior double doors with bulletproof glass
Aligns Roselle schools with safety features used in other NJ districts

SUPPORT FOR SPECIAL NEEDS

Converting a portion of the Central Office to a Transition Center – to prepare young-adult students with special needs for independent living and employment would:

Create a dedicated space for life skills and job readiness
Provide structured, real-world learning experiences
Helps students transition beyond high school with confidence
Reinforce RPS’s commitment to serving all learners

COMMUNITY AND THE ARTS

Restoring Abraham Clark High School Auditorium – to provide a more functional space would:

Preserve the historic character of the original auditorium
Improve safety and functionality for performances and events
Enhance the student experience
Offer a more welcoming venue for the community

A CLOSER LOOK AT PROPOSED SCHOOL

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