During a Board of Education meeting on May 11, West Essex administration unveiled a proposal for a two-question referendum that could bring over $49 million in renovations and upgrades to the middle school and the high school if approved by voters in the fall. However, the high costs may raise concerns for taxpayers.
The renovations were first introduced in 2019 but were not formally submitted to the state until February 2026. The proposal includes upgrades to aging infrastructure and utilities, new classroom space, field and court renovations and security improvements. The projects are intended to modernize facilities that haven’t been updated since the school’s original opening in the 1960s.
The referendum is split into two parts, or questions. Part one is expected to cost around $42 million and proposes renovations to the middle school auditorium which would allow the school to rent the auditorium out to small businesses and shows. It also proposes a redesigned and modernized high school media center and library along with central air upgrades in both the middle and high school. The soccer, field hockey, lacrosse, baseball, football and softball fields are also to be upgraded with turf and newer, modern lighting, allowing practices and games to continue after dark.
Question one also proposes the construction of a two story addition in place of an empty courtyard in the high school. This will create 12 new classrooms and a journalism lab. Security advancements are also proposed, including safer doors and identification systems which are recommended by local law enforcement.
On the other hand, part two is much smaller and consists of replacements to both outdoor stadium and interior issues. It plans to replace the existing bleachers with modern versions to become more accessible and safe for the public. The press box is also to be replaced with a two-story, insulated and safer model. Additionally, part two includes updates interior doors and hardware, allowing for identification card access into classrooms, staff rooms and potentially bathrooms. The upgrades from question two are projected to cost around $7.5 million.
The renovation plans are currently under review for state aid, which West Essex is expected to hear back from in early July. Administration anticipates that many of these changes have the potential to be funded by the state, including HVAC, security upgrades, hardware and appliances and part of the two-story renovation. Renovations that the state does not cover will be funded through taxes.
Many parents and residents have raised concerns about the increase in tax money, leading to controversy over the potential renovations. The administration has maintained that the upgrades are necessary and will create an environment better suited for learning. A cost assesment to give more specific on how this will affect tax bills is scheduled for the summer.
An official vote among Fairfield, Roseland, North Caldwell and Essex Fells will take place on Nov. 3. Until then, more board meetings where updates and questions will be given are scheduled to take place. More information on the referendum can also be found on the West Essex Website where questions can be asked to the administration directly.
