School Bond Update In Caldwell-West Caldwell: What’s $18.2 Million Done So Far?

CALDWELL, NJ — How has the Caldwell-West Caldwell School District been using the $18.2 million that it raised via bond referendum in 2014? School administrators gave an update on work that’s been happening in the district via an email newsletter on Sept. 26.

“It has been nearly two years since you helped us to pass the bond referendum, but some updates are more visible than others,” administrators wrote.

• See related article: Caldwell-West Caldwell Votes Yes to School Bond Referendum

The $18.2 million bond referendum had a tax impact for the average household of approximately $11 per month in both Caldwell and West Caldwell, officials reported in 2014. The referendum included planned upgrades to each of the district’s schools, including security cameras and recording equipment at school entrances, interior and exterior security doors, new windows at several schools, heating, ventilating and air conditioning (HVAC) upgrades district-wide, a new data technology center, drainage and repairs at the high school’s Lower Field and Bonnel Field, and field, track and athletic facility upgrades.

Here is where the district is with the work approved for Bond Referendum 2014, according to officials:

• Work on the new Data Center was completed, and electrical power was switched over from the old Data Center.
• Extensive HVAC work was completed at all schools to meet both the immediate and long-term health and safety needs of students and staff.
• Several electrical upgrades, which involved the coordination among several local utilities, contractors, and district personnel, were completed at Lincoln, Wilson, Washington, GCMS, and JCHS.
• The main improvements to Bonnel Field were completed, and the girls' soccer team, boys' soccer team, and the football team have all played on the new field. Final renovations will take place over the coming weeks. A celebration and dedication of the new field will take place on Friday, Oct. 14, at 6 p.m., prior to the Girls' Soccer game against West Essex. All are welcome to attend.
• New windows were installed at Washington School.
• Parking lots at Jefferson School and GCMS were repaved.

Send local news tips, photos and press releases to eric.kiefer@patch.com