Bright Futures

Budget + Bond Referendum

Thank you, Westfield!

THANK YOU! We are extremely grateful to everyone who participated in the April 15 school budget and bond referendum vote. Whether you voted by mail or in person, your voice helped shape the future of our schools.

OFFICIAL RESULTS
The Union County Clerk’s Office has certified the results of the April 15 vote, with voters approving both the additional spending proposal for the 2025-2026 district operating budget and the bond referendum:

2025–2026 Budget Additional Spending Proposal: ✅ 3,8612 YES | ❌ 1,668 NO
Bond Proposal 1 – School Building Improvements: ✅ 3,554 YES | ❌ 1,966 NO
Bond Proposal 2 – Full-Day Kindergarten Expansion: ✅ 3,430 YES | ❌ 2,097 NO

These preliminary results reflect years of thoughtful planning and community input around the needs of our schools.

WHAT’S NEXT
We are excited about what lies ahead. With this support, we can move forward on long-standing priorities that will benefit our students and strengthen our schools for generations to come. This Budget + Bond Portal on our website (www.westfieldnjk12.org/vote) will remain active as a central hub for updates on timelines, milestones, and progress. We encourage you to check back regularly.

Meeting needs today while planning for
the future

On Tuesday, April 15, Westfield residents approved a comprehensive bond proposal that will fund $188.7 million in large-scale school building improvements and $37.2 million for additions necessary to expand to Full Day Kindergarten. On the same ballot, voters approved an additional spending proposal for the district’s operating needs for the 2025-2026 school year.

Together, these financial tools reflect the Westfield Public School District’s unwavering commitment to maintaining safe, sustainable, and future-ready schools.

Proposed projects for bond funding emerged from a thorough assessment of all district buildings and grounds by professional advisors, as well as extensive input from the community. These projects aim to solve pressing needs for buildings and instructional space.

Without more space, WPS cannot expand to Full Day Kindergarten. That foundational programming is such a strong expectation that of nearly 600 public school districts in New Jersey, only seven do not have Full Day Kindergarten or a funded plan to start it. Westfield is in that minority.

Westfield will receive up to $57.5 million in state debt service aid.

The State of New Jersey has committed up to $57.5 million in financial aid toward the proposed bond referendum projects. With voter approval, Westfield can now take advantage of this funding to reduce the amount of local taxes needed for this investment.

The needs for building upgrades and Full Day Kindergarten classrooms were listed in two ballot questions. Details about Bond Proposal Question 1 and Bond Proposal Question 2 are on webpages with information about the Tax Impact Estimator and How to Vote.
Both bond proposals were separate from the question about the District Operating Budget Vote.

Improvements will address building and instructional space needs.

Building Needs

Improved function and efficiency of heating/cooling systems in all schools

Improved air conditioning for gyms and cafeterias Edison, Roosevelt and WHS

Renovations to student restrooms
Modernized learning environments
Modifications for safety and accessibility

Continued support for high-quality education for every student

Instructional Space Needs

Repurposed rooms to meet modern needs, especially for special education and individualized instruction
Increased space to accommodate increased enrollment
Added classrooms to expand to Full Day Kindergarten (the focus of Bond Question 2)
Expanded space to accommodate increased enrollment
Multi-Purpose Rooms at Franklin and Jefferson
Renovated media centers at Edison, Roosevelt and WHS
Updated sound, lighting, seats at WHS auditorium
More space for art and music in elementary schools