With Enrollment Increasing, Referendums Expected To Boost Aging Wayne Schools

WAYNE, NJ — Administrators predict a sharp enrollment for Wayne elementary schools next year, and are ramping up for a referendum as they say the district’s ranking is “hindered by the condition of our facilities.”

Wayne Township School administrators outlined their district goals in the beginning of June, and looked ahead to the Class of 2038 – who are currently preschoolers. The district says “the time to act is now” to replace 60-year-old school infrastructure, and are expecting to put a referendum before voters in 2024, possibly asking two questions.

Next year, the township will pay the final $2.7 million in debt service from the construction of Anthony Wayne Middle School – which would allow “for significant construction and renovation work with no impact on taxpayers” as they will no longer be paying for that bond, officials said.

School officials say there could potentially be a $50 million bond referendum for high-priority projects, which would replace the expiring long-term debt on the middle school and its related tax levy, according to a February presentation. There could also be a $25 million referendum question for other priority projects, “which would be written to be approved only if the first question was approved by the voters.”

Superintendent Dr. Mark Toback and other school leaders have said it’s crucial to make sure Wayne can compete with other districts – and that Wayne Schools graduates in 2038 will be able to compete “against a global talent pool.” Officials said many of the schools are more than 60 years old and “still have many of the original utility systems.”

The district cited Wayne Schools’ Niche.com rankings, which rates the district a “C+” in resources and facilities. The district has an “A” ranking overall, with high rankings in academics, teachers, clubs and activities, and administration. The resources and facilities ranking is the district’s lowest; authorities listed roof replacements, plumbing, and HVAC replacements at multiple buildings as necessities, as well as additional buildings for gymnasiums, classrooms, restrooms, and other spaces.

“In a school choice environment, facilities matter to parents and students, especially when better educational facilities are available,” district officials said in a June 1 presentation.

Another issue driving the need for facilities upgrades is rising enrollment, officials said. At a May board meeting, Toback said the Preakness School, which opened in 2021, will likely “max out” at 238 students by next school year.

The Wayne Township Board of Education also approved its 2023-24 budget at its May 4 meeting, which includes a 3.53 percent tax levy increase. This represents a tax increase of $158 for the average assessed-value home in Wayne, school officials said.

Taxes are going up at the municipal level, too, an average of $130 per year.