Correcting headline date
Voters in the Harborfields school district will consider a bond Dec. 3 that focuses on infrastructure, academic and security improvements.
The proposed bond is $20,057,453, but the district said voters will eventually see a tax decrease of about $150 a year with the retirement of $52.7 million on debt in 2021 and 2023 from construction of Washington Drive Primary School.
The “new debt” from the proposed bond would essentially replace a portion of the old debt.
Residents are encouraged to visit the district’s website, www.harborfieldscsd.net, for detailed information on the proposal, including specific financial information. More information will also be sent to residents in the coming months.
The majority of projects proposed in the new bond referendum are basic
infrastructure upgrades such as replacing outdated boilers, repairing cracked
sidewalks, improving fresh air intake and replacing deteriorating ceiling and lighting
fixtures.
Other projects focus on student and staff safety, a number of security
enhancements are also included in the proposal, including the construction of security
vestibules at every school. Original doors and hardware will also be replaced to enhance
building security.
The proposal includes a number of academic improvements for students,
including the renovation of school libraries at Thomas J. Lahey Elementary School,
Oldfield Middle School and Harborfields High School. The new spaces will provide
students with modern resources, flexible furniture for group collaboration and the
latest in educational technology. A new general science classroom will also be added at
Thomas J. Lahey.
Several physical education and athletic enhancements are also included in
the proposal, such as the construction of a new play area at Washington Drive Primary
School, and the renovation of the South Gym and the installation of a synthetic turf field
at the high school.
“I thank the community for its input and participation thus far,” said
Superintendent of Schools Dr. Francesco Ianni. “After holding numerous community
forums on this topic, we are excited to move forward with a public vote on this
proposal. It addresses critical infrastructure needs within the district and allows us to
continue our mission of providing a world-class education for our students, one child at
a time.”
The vote is scheduled for Tuesday, Dec. 3 from 2-9 p.m. at Oldfield Middle School.