Improvements
Proactive projects to enhance operations
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The Princeton Board of Education aims to build on recent facilities upgrades with a Nov. 7 referendum focused on security, technology, sustainability and maintenance.
The Princeton Board of Education aims to build on recent facilities upgrades with a Nov. 7 referendum focused on security, technology, sustainability and maintenance.
The proposal calls for protective window film, energy-efficient building climate controls, and other upgrades across all schools, along with projects to address the unique needs of individual buildings.
The proposal calls for protective window film, energy-efficient building climate controls, and other upgrades across all schools, along with projects to address the unique needs of individual buildings.
Community Park Elementary
Estimated project costs: $851,556
Community Park Elementary
Estimated project costs: $851,556
Security and camera upgrades, protective window film
Technology upgrade to ensure reliable internet service
Playground area drainage improvements
Minor playground equipment upgrades
Fencing replacement
Energy-efficient building climate controls
Johnson Park Elementary
Estimated project costs: $956,936
Johnson Park Elementary
Estimated project costs: $956,936
Security and camera upgrades, protective window film
Technology upgrade to ensure reliable internet service
Cell service boosters where signals are routinely weak
Minor playground equipment upgrades
Fencing replacement
Energy-efficient building climate controls
Littlebrook Elementary
Estimated project costs: $851,556
Littlebrook Elementary
Estimated project costs: $851,556
Security and camera upgrades, protective window film
Technology upgrade to ensure reliable internet service
Playground area drainage improvements
Minor equipment upgrades to increase accessibility
Fencing replacement
Energy-efficient building climate controls
Riverside Elementary
Estimated project costs: $851,556
Riverside Elementary
Estimated project costs: $851,556
Security and camera upgrades, protective window film
Technology upgrade to ensure reliable internet service
Minor playground equipment upgrades to increase accessibility
Fencing replacement
Energy-efficient building climate controls
Princeton Middle School
Estimated project costs: $2,041,762
Princeton Middle School
Estimated project costs: $2,041,762
Updated doors and locks
Security and camera upgrades and protective window film
Technology upgrade to ensure reliable internet service
Cell service boosters where signals are routinely weak
Updated lighting and equipment at pool
Minor playground equipment upgrades
Energy-efficient building climate controls
Ductwork insulation at Performing Arts Center
Princeton High School
Estimated project costs: $7,444,684
Princeton High School
Estimated project costs: $7,444,684
Updated doors and locks
Two security vestibules
Security and camera upgrades, protective window film
Technology upgrade to ensure reliable internet service
Replacement rooftop ductwork for media center
Cafeteria and kitchen renovations
Repairs to instructional EcoLab
Athletic field and track resurfacing
Energy-efficient building climate controls
STATE OFFERS $5 MILLION HELPING HAND
STATE OFFERS $5 MILLION HELPING HAND
If voters approve a referendum, Princeton Public Schools will receive state debt service aid that is not available any other way. The state’s aid formula provides more funding for renovations and rehabilitation projects than new construction.
By evaluating the district’s needs and identifying improvements that are eligible for the most aid, Princeton Public Schools would receive an estimated $5 million in debt service aid to offset the local share. The tax impact would be around $104 per year for the owner of a home assessed at Princeton’s average of $848,037.
WHY THESE PROJECTS?
WHY THESE PROJECTS?
Timely maintenance, energy efficiency and enhanced security and technology are other motivating factors for the proposed projects. Here’s how upgrades would support the educational environment:
Security enhancements: Adding two security vestibules at the main and Performing Arts Center entrances of Princeton High School would complete an essential district-wide project. The vestibules were installed at other schools through previous referendum funding. The changes to control access at high school entrances would preserve the building’s architectural integrity. The district also would enhance security by replacing doors and locks at the middle school and high school, installing protective window film and upgrading cameras, among other measures.
Technology 10Gig network: The district launched one-to-one technology during the pandemic, issuing a device to every K-12 student. The program continues to provide instructional benefits, but device usage is straining classroom internet connections. An upgraded network would support current and future technology needs.
Cell phone boosters: Reliable phone service is part of an effective security and communications network. Boosters would supplement weak service at Johnson Park Elementary and Princeton Middle School.
Playground drainage/equipment upgrades: Drainage issues frequently keep playgrounds off-limits at Littlebrook and Community Park schools, leaving only the blacktop available at recess. Improvements to the drainage system would resolve the problem. All elementary schools and the middle school also would receive minor equipment upgrades; at Riverside and Littlebrook, the additions would increase accessibility.
Energy-efficient building climate controls: The district would continue its HVAC improvements with this addition to building management systems. The controls would eventually pay for themselves through energy savings.
Upgraded ductwork: Rooftop ductwork and insulation at the high school is rusting and ready for replacement. Princeton Middle School also would receive ductwork insulation at its Performing Arts Center.
Athletic field and track resurfacing: Both the field and track are ready for resurfacing from normal wear and tear. The field and track were last resurfaced in 2014. The expected lifespan for turf is 10 to 12 years and the district spent nearly $4,000 on emergency repairs in recent years; if the referendum is approved in November, the field and track would be resurfaced in the summer of 2025.
These upgrades would have benefits beyond district use. Community soccer and lacrosse leagues rely on the field, and residents walk and run on the track.
Cafeteria/kitchen renovations: A new cafeteria layout with varied seating styles would allow for better student traffic flow and could increase seating capacity by about 50 percent to around 400. This is dependent on proper code review and approvals by the Princeton Fire Department.
The district would work with a cafeteria equipment consultant to make the area more functional and sustainable. Kitchen renovations would include installation of a commercial dishwasher to reduce the reliance on single-use and other disposable items. Serving and cooking equipment would be modernized as needed.
EcoLab repairs: Environmental science students use the Princeton High School EcoLab – an instructional wetlands habitat – for hands-on lessons as part of the core curriculum. Repairs are needed to fix deteriorated detention basin walls.
Indoor pool updates: Princeton Middle School’s pool is another facility shared with the community; it is the home base for the Princeton Piranhas swim group. The pool needs new lighting, starting blocks and pads.
Princeton Public Schools
Princeton Public Schools
Live to Learn, Learn to Live
25 Valley Road, Princeton NJ 08540
Ph: 609.806.4200
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