Westfield School Board Shares Letter On Budget Vote, Bond Referendum

WESTFIELD, NJ — The Westfield Board of Education pens a Letter to the Editor ahead of the upcoming budget vote and bond referendum on April 15.

To the Editor,

As the Westfield Board of Education, we respect and appreciate the community’s engagement in the upcoming April 15 budget vote and bond referendum. These decisions impact every resident, and we want to ensure that voters have accurate information to make an informed decision.

Addressing Tax Concerns

We understand concerns about rising property taxes, but it’s important to note that school funding is an investment in Westfield’s future. The majority of school funding comes from local property taxes, as state and federal aid remain limited.

School districts cannot defer essential infrastructure projects without serious long-term consequences.

Westfield’s schools average 88 years old. We are facing failing HVAC systems, outdated and undersized instructional spaces, and aging restrooms that need repairs. These are not optional upgrades; they are necessary for maintaining safe and effective learning environments.

Why Now?

This referendum presents a unique financial opportunity. The state has committed to covering up to $57.5 million of the total bond costs—but only if the referendum is approved. Without it, taxpayers will bear the full cost of inevitable repairs through the annual operating budget, where funding is limited.

Addressing Full Day Kindergarten

Westfield is one of the few districts left in New Jersey without Full Day Kindergarten, putting our youngest learners at a disadvantage. The proposed bond includes the renovation and construction of classroom space for Full Day Kindergarten. Funding for additional staffing would be part of a future district operating budget that would require voter approval.

The Cost Breakdown

The bond proposal would fund $188.7 million in large-scale school building improvements and $37.2 million for additions necessary to expand to Full Day Kindergarten through the issuance of 30 year bonds. If the referendum is approved by voters, up to $57.5 million of state-awarded debt service aid— available only to school districts where voters approve bond referenda—would reduce the local tax burden and support critical school improvements.

On the same ballot, voters will be asked to approve an additional spending proposal to retain 2 elementary teachers, 1 intermediate teacher, and health benefits for these 3 current staff members for the 2025-2026 school year at a cost of $302,734, an estimated annual tax increase of $33 on the average home. The state also allocated $8.9 million in aid for the 2025-2026 district operating budget, a 6% increase from the prior year that helps offset the tax impact.

The projected tax increase, based on the average assessed Westfield home value of $826,700, is:

• Operating Budget (Base Budget + Additional Spending Proposal): $240/year ($20/month)
• Bond Question 1 (Facilities & Modernization): $785/year ($65/month)
• Bond Question 2 (Full-Day Kindergarten Classrooms): $196/year ($16/month)

While no tax increase is ideal, delaying these referendum projects will only lead to higher costs in the
future, with no state aid to offset them.

A Responsible Path Forward

We encourage all residents to review the full details at westfieldnjk12.org/vote, attend Board of Education meetings, and make an informed decision. Investing in our schools strengthens our community, supports property values, and ensures that Westfield remains a place where families want to live and learn.

Sincerely,
The Westfield Board of Education