Reimagine Willingboro Schools
Bond Referendum March 11, 2025
Embedded Files
Voters approve both bond referendum questions!
Voters approve both bond referendum questions!
Though unofficial, results from Tuesday’s bond referendum indicate that voters have approved both questions in the Willingboro Public Schools bond referendum. The community can look forward to improvements to every school and the construction of an Indoor Track and Basketball Complex on the grounds adjacent to the district’s County Club Administration building.
As of Tuesday, there were 1,572 votes in favor and 748 opposed to Question 1 on the ballot, which proposed district-wide school improvements. On Question 2, which proposed the Indoor Track and Basketball Complex, there were 1,233 “Yes” votes trailed by 1,054 “No” votes. Final results will be posted on this website after officials count remaining mail-in and provisional ballots.
Members of the Willingboro Public Schools administration and Board of Education thank Boro voters for learning how our schools could be reimagined through the bond referendum and for taking the time to vote. We will keep you updated on the progress.
Looking for info about "senior tax relief" or "assessed value?" Click here.
There is nothing like Boro Pride.
Willingboro Township's history represents the tapestry of America, and through it our schools have evolved to meet changing needs. The Boro can boast of hometown heroes in music, sports, politics, writing and television – and we want the same potential for the 3,650 students that learn in our schools and through our afterschool experiences.
The Board of Education and administration share the firm belief that Willingboro students deserve the best we can provide.
We have advanced toward that goal with recent improvements inside and outside: New playgrounds, stadium enhancements, more secure entrances and energy-saving building systems. New signage, building fronts and coats of paint so that our schools visually reflect the pride within.
The next step requires investment to reimagine Willingboro schools.
In-Person Town Halls
All start at 6:30 p.m. on these dates:
Wed., February 5 -- at J.C. Stuart ECDC
Tue., February 18 -- at W.R. James Elementary School
Wed., February 26 -- at James A. Cotten Intermediate School
Wed., March 5 -- at Willingboro High School
----------
Virtual Town Hall was Feb. 12
Watch the recording here.
Low property taxes led to maintenance delays.
For the past decade, the goal of keeping school property taxes low required delaying maintenance and improvement projects.
That approach is no longer sufficient for buildings that need more instructional space, new roofs, modernized media centers, updated science labs, and various other repairs. Question 1 on the March 11 ballot proposes a $49.7 million investment to address those needs and the State of New Jersey has pledged $21 million toward those costs.
The Board’s vision also includes making Willingboro a destination for year-round track meets by turning empty land into the kind of indoor complex that is rare in the region. The complex would also include two indoor basketball courts. Revenue could be channeled toward educational improvements. Question 2 on the ballot proposes an $18.2 million investment for this complex.
Our schools reflect our community, and when they improve, the entire community benefits.
To continue advancing, the Board of Education has been exploring the sale of bonds to address these needs. School districts can sell bonds to investors to generate up-front funding for building needs. Property taxes pay back that kind of loan.
WPS would need voter approval to do that, and the Board will hold that bond referendum (vote) on Tuesday, March 11, 2025.
Advantages of bond funding are:
the ability to make improvements that do not fit in the regular budget, and
the opportunity to get $21 million in state financial aid.
Each year, New Jersey’s budget gives school districts millions of dollars in this special kind of aid when a district uses bond funding to meet capital needs.
Willingboro Township residents already pay into this state funding. The WPS Board of Education wants to bring some of it back to improve our schools.
More students need more space.
Higher enrollment is one reason we are re-imagining how to improve our schools to support all of our students. In the past three years, WPS enrollment has grown by nearly 400 students – a positive sign for Willingboro Township and the schools at its heart.
That is one reason our elementary schools are feeling cramped. Another reason is the rise in individualized learning, which is affecting schools across the country. One-on-one or small-group instruction helps students catch up and/or keep pace. It also means we need more space.
Half-size gyms are proposed at Hawthorne Park, Twin Hills and W.R. James Elementary Schools to free up classrooms that are currently used daily for physical education.
Voters are encouraged to learn before March 11.
Willingboro’s plans have been well researched and considered, and in early January the state Department of Education pledged $21 million in financial aid. The Board of Education plans numerous ways to inform residents, including an expansion of this website, a mailing to every household, and opportunities for public Q&A.
Voters are encouraged to learn about the issues and prepare to vote by mail or in person on Tuesday, March 11, 2025.
Mark your calendar for 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, February 12, when WPS will host a public Town Hall with an opportunity for Q and A. Use this link to join.
This website will be the primary source of information. Bookmark it and visit often! Information will also be shared through district and school social media accounts; scroll to the bottom of this webpage to connect.
Report abuse