infrastructure and safety Projects
There’s no quick fix; there’s no cheaper option: Our infrastructure – roofs, doors, windows, floors, ceilings, lighting – needs to be repaired and brought in line with modern standards for safety and security. Our schools are well maintained, but aging buildings and grounds require continual maintenance that becomes costly when unexpected issues arise.
The March referendum gives voters the option to invest long term in the Saddle Brook School District’s infrastructure. We would no longer have to rely on temporary fixes to the framework of our school buildings. The proposal is aimed at making sure our spaces can last decades longer.
what's on the ballot?
The Board of Education will finalize the ballot question(s) at the Feb. 8 meeting. The ballot will include:
Every School in the District
Partial roof replacements to prevent leaks and fix damage; through our annual budget we have replaced sections of roofs gradually, but this proposal would allow us to do partial roof replacements at every school to address areas that haven’t yet received attention.
Window and door replacements to make our schools more energy efficient and safe, as well as ceiling and lighting upgrades to brighten and fix our hallways.
Saddle Brook High school/ Middle School
Athletic turf field and lights at the Middle/High School for our student-athletes to compete on a safer, more consistent playing area and for our community to use regularly for recreation and youth athletics
Upgrades to the front entrance of the building, including a new security office to provide additional protection
Partial roof replacement, as well as ceiling, lighting, window and door upgrades
Restroom renovations to update fixtures with more efficient faucets and toilets
Helen I. Smith Elementary School
New security window in main office
Partial roof replacement, as well as ceiling, lighting, window and door upgrades
Long Memorial Elementary School
Security upgrades at the main office to create a secure area for interactions between parents and office staff
Partial roof replacement, as well as ceiling, lighting, window and door upgrades
washington elementary school
Renovations to convert unused space into four pre-kindergarten classrooms on the second floor, and the addition of an elevator for ADA compliance; Eliminates the pre-k waitlist and generates tuition revenue for the district
New security window in the main office
Partial roof replacement, as well as ceiling, lighting, window and door upgrades
Franklin Elementary School
Replace corridor floors
Partial roof replacement, as well as ceiling, lighting, window and door upgrades
Coolidge School
Interior restoration, including an elevator for ADA compliance, boiler replacement, upgraded restrooms, and more, to make this space usable for offices.
How are the projects different from December’s proposal?
The proposal doesn’t include the middle school addition, a second turf field and lights, or the Media Center at Helen I. Smith School. We’ll continue to have community conversations about those projects after the March election.