Strategic Steps Toward Progress
Princeton Public Schools Bond Referendum
VOTE NOVEMBER 7, 2023
Bond referendum approved!
Princeton voters have approved the school bond referendum, according to unofficial results!
As of Tuesday night, the tally showed 4,250 voters approved the bond referendum and 1,770 were opposed. We will post updates as the Mercer County Clerk’s Office continues to count additional mail-in ballots with a timely postmark that are received over the next several days as well as valid provisional ballots.
The Princeton Board of Education and district administrators are thankful to the community members who voted and took the time to learn about how the projects would better our schools. We will keep the community informed and updated throughout the process.
Princeton is a uniquely desirable place to live and raise a family, and our schools are the beacon that draws people to our town.
Our district is a leader in sustainability, wellness and social awareness, and that spirit of innovation extends to our long-term planning. The Princeton Board of Education seeks the most responsible and thoughtful strategies to meet the needs of students, staff and the community.
On Nov. 7, we will ask voters to consider a $13 million bond referendum to make our schools safer and to improve and update our facilities.
The proposed projects include security enhancements, high school cafeteria renovations, technology network upgrades, energy-efficient building climate controls, and maintenance projects across the district.
Watch the virtual forum for in-depth insights
Bond referendum Q&A
Princeton Public Schools assembled a panel of experts to discuss the Nov. 7 bond referendum and answer community members' questions.
Watch the recording of the virtual forum to hear from the district's architect and financial advisers, along with Princeton High School Principal Cecilia Birge, members of the Board of Education's Operations Committee and more.
Tour PHS areas targeted for improvement
Community members are welcome to get a firsthand look at how the projects included in the Nov. 7 bond referendum would transform Princeton High School .
Guided tours will be held on select dates in October. Vistors are asked to meet at the Towner.
While on campus, visitors can check out the cafeteria, which would be renovated to create more seating for students and allow for more efficient lunch lines.
Weather permitting, community members also can see the athletic field and track slated for resurfacing.
Tours may include the EcoLab, another area in need of repairs. The unique feature serves as both a detention basin to prevent flooding and a hands-on science classroom.
Princeton Public Schools has previously leveraged the funding mechanism of a bond referendum because of the availability of state debt service aid with voter approval. A December 2018 referendum funded security vestibules at the middle and elementary schools and HVAC upgrades, and voters approved a proposal for roofing and other exterior building work in January 2022.
If the November referendum passes, the state will contribute approximately $5 million in debt service aid toward payments for projects focused on security, renovations and major maintenance. Taxpayers across the state pay into the revenue that funds school construction projects, but districts only benefit when local voters approve a bond referendum.
Bond funding also lets the district complete projects quickly and pay for them over time.
By financing moderate projects with the advantage of state aid, the district can invest in continuous improvements as overall debt service holds fairly steady. The owner of a home assessed at Princeton’s average of $848,037 can expect to pay $104 more per year if the referendum passes.
A MEASURED APPROACH
The Board and district leaders put extensive thought into the decisions that work best for our community. The scope of the referendum is based on previous input from community members, as well as a strategy of addressing needs in manageable phases.
UPGRADES WITH BROAD IMPACT
The projects included in the referendum would benefit all six district schools as well as community members who use our facilities.
Safety & Security
Install security vestibules inside Princeton High School; entrances at other district schools were upgraded through previous referendum funding.
Replace outdated doors and locks at the high school and middle school as part of ongoing security improvements.
Upgrade security cameras and install protective window film.
Add cell phone boosters at Johnson Park Elementary School and Princeton Middle School, which are in areas with weak service.
Wellness & Sustainability
Renovate high school cafeteria and kitchen to an updated, more efficient layout that would accommodate more students as well as add a commercial dishwasher to significantly reduce reliance on single-use plastic utensils .
Make minor equipment upgrades at elementary school and middle school playgrounds, including the addition of accessible equipment at Riverside and Littlebrook.
Improve drainage where needed at playgrounds that are sometimes unusable for 24 to 48 hours following wet weather.
Major Maintenance
Resurface worn athletic field and track as part of routine maintenance. These facilities are used by youth sports groups and community members as wel as students.
Install building control upgrades as part of continuing energy-efficient HVAC improvements.
Replace ductwork at high school media center and add ductwork insulation at middle school Performing Arts Center.
Update middle school pool with new lighting, starting blocks and pads. The pool is also used by the Princeton Piranhas swim team.
Technology
Upgrade to 10Gig network at all schools, ensuring reliable internet connection in the classroom.
Download flyer and share with neighbors!
This one-page flyer contains key referendum details about proposed projects, the funding strategy, and how to vote.
Download it and email it to Princeton residents in your circle who could use more information about the Nov. 7 election.
The district is taking many steps to educate voters through press releases and newspaper ads, social media posts, this dedicated website, and other channels.
Community members also will play a vital role by sharing information - including this digital flyer. It's an easy, sustainable way to help ensure all Princeton voters are engaged in a decision of importance for the entire community.
Princeton one-pager.pdfInstrucciones para traducir este sitio web
Learn more!
The district will provide extensive details about the bond proposal through this website, printed materials, social media and events to inform voters about this important matter for our schools.
Princeton Public Schools
Live to Learn, Learn to Live
25 Valley Road, Princeton NJ 08540
Ph: 609.806.4200