Budget + Bond Update #2

Dear Westfield Public Schools Community,

We are excited by the community engagement following last week’s first Budget + Bond Update. The strong interest and thoughtful questions we have heard show just how deeply Westfield cares about the future of our schools.

One concern we are hearing again and again is the timing of the April 15 vote, which falls during Spring Break. While the date was set by the State and is far from ideal, postponing until next fall or next year would significantly delay much needed improvements. We understand the concern and that is exactly why we’re encouraging every eligible voter to be ready.

If there is any chance you will be traveling or unavailable, apply for a mail-in ballot today.

📬 Applications must be received by the county no later than April 8.

This is the second of four weekly updates as we count down to the April 15 vote on the bond referendum and additional spending proposal for the 2025–2026 district operating budget.

We understand this is a significant financial ask for the Westfield community. With finalized state aid included, we can now provide a clear picture of the estimated tax impact for an average assessed property of $826,700*. That investment supports essential upgrades to heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems, renovated student restrooms, modern classrooms, Full-Day Kindergarten, and safer, more accessible facilities benefiting students and this entire community for years to come.

ANNUAL OPERATING BUDGET

💰 Base Budget (Board Approves)

• Total Base Budget @ Adjusted Cap: $135,329,952
• Estimated Annual Tax Increase: $207*
• Estimated Monthly Tax Increase: $17*

➕ Additional Spending Proposal (On April 15 Ballot)

• Cost to maintain current staffing that did not fit into base budget: $302,734
• Estimated Annual Tax Increase: $33*
• Estimated Monthly Tax Increase: $3*
  
• Estimated Annual Combined Tax Increase: $240*

BOND REFERENDUM

🏫 Bond Question 1: Building Needs

• Estimated Cost: $188,651,858
• Debt Service Aid: $55,357,671
• Estimated Annual Tax Impact: $785*
• Estimated Monthly Tax Impact: $65*

🎒 Bond Question 2: Full Day Kindergarten

• Estimated Cost: $37,155,384
• Debt Service Aid: $2,135,600
• Estimated Annual Tax Impact: $196*
• Estimated Monthly Tax Impact: $16*

👉 Use the Tax Impact Estimators to see what the proposed changes mean for you.

This bond referendum proposes critical facility upgrades to meet the evolving needs of our students and staff. From improving air quality and comfort to expanding classroom space and accessibility, these projects are designed to support teaching, learning, and wellness across the district. Here’s what’s included in the proposed improvements:

• 339 HVAC units for individual classrooms that require
• 36 Rooftop HVAC units for large spaces
• 7 New classrooms due to rising enrollment
• 25 New/renovated classrooms for Full Day K
• 30 New/renovated classrooms for small-group instruction (SGI)
• 32 Student restrooms updated/more accessible

The proposed improvements in this bond referendum address the reality that many of our schools are decades—some nearly a century—old. While our facilities have been well cared for over the years, it is time for a significant investment to ensure they remain safe, modern, and able to support today’s educational needs.

Here is a snapshot of our schools' construction history that shows just how long it has been since most buildings saw major updates:

• McKinley Elementary School: 1906
• Addition: 1931
• 3 Story Addition: 2000
• Roosevelt Intermediate School: 1926
• Science Wing: 1965
• Library/Cafeteria: 2009
• Auditorium: 2015
• Franklin Elementary School: 1929
• 1st Floor Wing: 1956
• 2nd Floor Addition: 2000
• Wilson Elementary School: 1935
• Addition #1: 1963
• Addition #2: 1996
• Library: 2000
• Westfield High School: 1950
• Rear Section: 1960
• Science Wing: 2002
• Jefferson Elementary School: 1953
• Addition #1: 1955
• Addition #2: 1996
• Washington Elementary School: 1954
• Addition #1: 1955
• Addition #2: 1992
• Edison Intermediate School: 1958
• Addition: 1965
• Auditorium: 2015
• Tamaques Elementary School: 1961

There are plenty of in-person and virtual opportunities to learn more about the budget and bond referendum.

UP NEXT

🗓 Monday, March 24, 7:30p - Wilson PTO at Wilson

🗓 Tuesday, March 25, 7:00p - Board Meeting

🗓 Wednesday, March 26

• ☕ 8:30a - Coffee with the Superintendent at Lincoln
• 💻 12:00p - Community Remote Session (LINK)
• 👥 7:00p - Community In-Person Session, 302 Elm Street

🗓 Friday, March 28

• ☕ 8:30a - Coffee with the Superintendent at Tamaques
• 👥 9:00a - Tamaques PTO at Tamaques