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Caldwell-West Caldwell board thanks voters after Question 1 passes, vows alternative plan after Question 2 defeat
Summary
Board president said Question 1 passed on March 11, allowing security and STEAM improvements; Question 2, which would have funded a new athletic complex, failed and the board will reconvene with stakeholders and the district architect to develop a more fiscally prudent plan.
On behalf of the Caldwell West Caldwell Board of Education, the board president told the public Monday that voters approved Question 1 on March 11, 2025, and that the board is grateful for community participation. Question 1, the president said, allows the district to move forward with safety and security infrastructure improvements, steam/STEAM labs at the elementary schools and a STEAM wing at James Caldwell High School.
The president noted that Question 2 — a proposal to build the Colonel John M. McHugh athletic complex intended to promote equity for female athletes and expand space at James Caldwell High School — did not receive community support. "The community has spoken and we as a board are listening," the president said, adding that the board plans to reconvene with stakeholders and the district architect to develop an alternative plan that meets students' needs while being more fiscally prudent.
The district will pursue alternatives rather than abandoning the stated goals for safety and student programs. The president said the referendum outcome presents "an opportunity to refine our approach and bring forward a solution that better aligns with the community's expectations." The board emphasized continued commitment to student and staff safety and to advancing STEAM programming at all four elementary schools.
Board members and the superintendent thanked voters and acknowledged that not all asked-for projects were approved. The president also used the remarks to encourage support for upcoming district arts events, noting past production attendance and urging greater community turnout.
The board did not provide dollar figures for either Question 1 or Question 2 in the public remarks; specific funding amounts, timelines and next steps will be developed with the architect and stakeholders and reported at future meetings.
