Waldwick says YES!
Preliminary results indicate voter approval of the bond referendum to make Stronger Schools for Waldwick. The Bergen County Clerk’s Office will follow its procedures to certify the results, but the early count suggests a decision in favor of the plan for stronger buildings, stronger curriculum, and stronger security.
The unofficial tally shows 933 votes of approval and 406 votes in opposition. Certified results will be posted here when they are available. They will also be announced on our social media accounts; see below for the links to those.
The Board of Education truly appreciates each resident who learned about the Stronger Schools proposal and participated in the referendum by voting. We are confident that once we complete major renovations through this plan, our needs will consist only of routine maintenance that can be addressed within the existing annual budget.
Daniel Marro, Sr., Board of Education President
Stronger Schools for Waldwick
Stronger Buildings - Stronger Curriculum - Stronger Security
This image gallery shows how the proposed improvements could look for key areas of Waldwick Public Schools. Even so, it's tough for photos to show the benefits of energy efficient walls, integrated security systems, improved lighting and flooring, modern HVAC and airflow equipment, and stadium seating that meets ADA compliance. For details, see the Projects page.
The Waldwick school district does a fine job tending to the future: Local students thrive at 2 elementary schools, 1 middle school and a high school. More than 92% of graduates enroll in college. Our High School is a proud Warrior Nation, with 19 varsity sports. The technology program also ensures students are engaged and prepared for the future. The High School’s award-winning STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math) team competes around the state.
Waldwick sets high standards for its students, and its school leaders have proactively maintained facilities to meet students’ needs. The district dedicated a portion of local tax revenue to renovate its elementary schools and, through voter approval of a one-year increase in 2018, paid for major security upgrades at all schools.
It’s time to invest in the High School
The building’s weakened exterior and outdated equipment affect the learning environment. The building requires upgrades for windows and walls that are just 1/8-inch thin in some spots, to restore the “skin” of the building. Containing costs requires modernizing the HVAC and airflow systems. The main entrance needs a more secure way of screening visitors. Proposed improvements would make the High School more cost- and energy-efficient, more in line with modern education needs, and more secure.
The district also has identified priority projects at Traphagen Elementary School, where the Media Center/Building 5 needs renovation, and at Crescent Elementary, where the entire parking lot and building wrap-around needs to be repaved. In addition, the district seeks to further enhance the safety of students and staff by installing a security vestibule at the Middle/High School.
While the district has been able to address many school improvements through its regular budget, the current proposals would be best achieved through a bond referendum because state aid will cover much of the cost. Waldwick has not asked voters to approve bond borrowing for nearly 20 years, when the community invested in a new middle school.
Waldwick seeks to make a new investment as the bond for the middle school will be paid off in 2023.
Bond Referendum on Tuesday, April 20
The Board of Education will ask voters for permission to borrow funds by selling bonds. Critical improvements would make Waldwick’s buildings stronger, curriculum stronger, and security stronger.
These pages are dedicated to providing accurate and up-to-date information about the proposal. If you have a question that isn’t addressed on these pages, send it to Vote@waldwickschools.org.
This website will be updated with the most accurate, up-to-date information that is available. Please visit often!
Follow our social media to get information and reminders!
Access to Crescent Elementary social media accounts are controlled. Only members can see those messages.