Caldwell-West School District unveils two-question March referendum: $21–23M zero-tax infrastructure package and $15–16M Fieldhouse

The Caldwell-West School District on Monday outlined plans to ask voters in a March 11, 2025 referendum to approve two separate questions: a bundled infrastructure package (Question 1) estimated at $21–23 million that the district projects will carry no tax increase, and a separate Fieldhouse project (Question 2) estimated at $15–16 million.

Greg Sjin, the architect the district retained, told the board and community that the timing depends on ‘‘debt rolling off’’ old bonds and the district’s eligibility for New Jersey Debt Service Aid. “There will be a no tax impact on the infrastructure projects,” Sjin said, describing preliminary modeling that assumes roughly $6–7 million in state aid and the district applying capital reserve funds to reduce local borrowing.

Why it matters: the board said Question 1 focuses on urgent infrastructure and safety needs — including replacement of aging supply and return heating pipes at the middle school, vestibule and security upgrades across elementary and secondary schools, asbestos abatement and flooring repairs at Lincoln Elementary, and modernization of high-school instructional spaces into STEM/STEAM labs. The Fieldhouse (Question 2) would replace the existing 3,000-square-foot structure with a modern facility that adds multi-fixture public restrooms, Title IX-compliant locker- and restroom spaces, a second-floor multipurpose room and team/trainer support spaces.

Money and timing: Sjin estimated Question 1 at $21–23 million total, with Debt Service Aid reducing the state-eligible portion by about $6–7 million and the district contributing capital reserve to cover additional costs. He said the district’s preliminary plan would borrow about $17.9 million for the bundle that proponents say produces the no-tax-impact result, but he emphasized those figures are preliminary until the state issues preliminary and final eligible-cost (PEC/FEC) letters. For the Fieldhouse he estimated a $15–16 million hard construction cost and said the district planned to contribute roughly $2 million from capital reserve; the district is conservatively assuming no state aid for that question.

Design and site choices: Sjin described a plan to remove and rebuild the Fieldhouse slightly back from the track to improve circulation, to add a rain garden required by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection to manage increased impervious surface, and to relocate the shot-put area as needed. The proposed second-floor multipurpose space would host professional development and community functions; ground-floor changes include mirrored men’s and women’s team rooms, trainer space, storage, and accessible circulation with an elevator and two egress routes.

Community concerns and operational issues: During a lengthy public question-and-answer period, residents asked about plumbing code compliance (number of fixtures), whether air conditioning for gyms is guaranteed, accessibility for people with disabilities, parking and how construction would affect athletic seasons. Sjin said plumbing and fixture counts were designed to meet code and that the addition of A/C in gym areas requires replacing existing heating systems as part of eligible mechanical work. He noted prevailing-wage rules apply to public construction bids in New Jersey, whether union or nonunion contractors bid, and that the state’s prequalification rules limit which contractors can submit bids for larger projects.

Process and next steps: The architect said the district’s bond counsel and financial advisor would begin work after a successful referendum. If voters approve the measures in March 2025, the team expects to begin detailed drawings in April 2025 (roughly four to six months), then bid work and start phased construction, with significant site work likely in 2026. The district will submit applications to the New Jersey Department of Education in September; Sjin said PEC/FEC letters should provide the state-determined eligible costs that finalize the Debt Service Aid estimate.

Public outreach: The board said it will host open houses and prepare a referendum web page, frequently asked questions, and other outreach materials; there was a fieldhouse tour open through 8 p.m. after the meeting. The district also said it plans to retain a public-relations vendor to help run a campaign of informational materials if the board moves forward.

What remains uncertain: Sjin cautioned that project eligibility for state aid and final cost estimates depend on the Department of Education’s PEC/FEC determinations and final bidding results. He recommended voters consider Question 1 separately from Question 2 so the district can preserve critical infrastructure work even if the community declines the Fieldhouse.