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West Essex presents $49.5 million referendum to add classrooms, renovate media center and auditorium and install turf
Summary
The West Essex Regional School District outlined plans for a two-question $49.5 million referendum on Nov. 3, 2026, proposing a $42 million first question for classrooms, a media center and auditorium renovations and a $7.5 million second question for stadium upgrades; state aid and tax impacts are pending NJDOE review.
The West Essex Regional School District on May 11 presented plans for a two-question referendum asking voters on Nov. 3, 2026, to approve borrowing a combined $49.5 million to finance classroom additions, major building renovations and athletic upgrades.
"Our goal is simple, to ensure that every member of our community is informed, engaged, and prepared to make a thoughtful decision this November," Superintendent Damian Machochi said as he outlined the projects and the district's outreach plans.
Why it matters: The district said a bond referendum would provide upfront funding to complete larger projects more quickly than pay-as-you-go budgeting and would allow the district to seek state aid that can reduce the local share of eligible construction and renovation costs. Applications were filed with the New Jersey Department of Education on Feb. 19, 2026, and the department's review — which can take several months — will determine final state-aid percentages.
What the questions include: Presenters described two ballot questions. Question 1 totals $42 million and focuses on a two-story addition at the high…
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