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Princeton board outlines $51.35 million referendum and $750,000-a-year tech levy ahead of May 12 vote
Summary
The Princeton Public School District presented details of a May 12 referendum that would issue about $51.35 million in bonds to replace aging schools and add a 10-year $750,000-per-year technology levy; Superintendent Pat said the average-home tax impact would be about $14 per month. Early voting has begun and two precincts will serve voters on May 12.
The Princeton Public School District on Monday presented details of a May 12 referendum that would issue roughly $51.35 million in bonds to replace aging facilities and create a 10-year technology levy of $750,000 per year.
Superintendent Pat said the proposal is “a real similar, almost exact referendum as we had from last fall,” but that construction-cost inflation and related financing changes increased the package from $49 million to about $51.35 million. “So instead of it being a $15 on the average home increase for taxation, it would be $14,” Pat said.
Why it matters: district leaders said classrooms, career-technical spaces, science labs and core infrastructure have fallen behind the needs of students. Pat described classrooms that measure about 650–750 square feet where high-school classrooms are expected to be roughly 1,100 square feet, outdated shop and culinary appliances from the 1970s, leaking middle-school roofs, a 1964 boiler nearing the end of its life and science lab spaces without sinks. “These facilities are run down. They’re undersized. They’re poorly ventilated,” Pat said.
The referendum package, Pat said, is intended to fund both new construction and renovations at the high school and other district buildings and to stabilize operating budgets through the proposed technology levy. Pat noted the district already pays more than $1 million for leases, equipment and support staff and argued the $750,000 levy would help reduce operating pressure and avoid deeper cuts.
Financing and voter guidance: Pat pointed listeners to a 38-page review-and-comment document on the district website that breaks down the bond schedule and individual project costs. He also outlined voting logistics: early voting began March 27; absentee ballots are available via a QR-code application and require a witness and identity verification; district-office early voting hours were announced; and the two May 12 precincts will be Princeton Depot and Baldwin Town Hall. Pat advised residents who want an absentee ballot to request one by the end of April to allow for mailing time.
Turnout context and risks: Pat said last fall’s turnout was 22% and urged broader participation. He warned that if the referendum fails the district could cut programs, reduce career-technical access, reduce technology resources (including its 1:1 device program) and face larger class sizes.
The board did not take a vote on the referendum itself; the presentation was intended to inform voters ahead of the May 12 election. Additional details and an itemized cost breakdown are available in the district’s review-and-comment document online.
