Superintendent Chuck Klaus led the presentation on the referendum proposal, highlighting that nearly two years of discussions and community feedback had shaped the plan. Emphasizing accessibility and expanding classroom capacity, Klaus detailed specific modifications, such as installing elevators, creating accessible playgrounds, and ensuring accessible seating in auditoriums. The urgency for additional classroom space was underscored by rising enrollment figures and upcoming housing developments in Haddonfield, which are expected to bring more students into the district.

The proposal also addresses updates to existing facilities, including auditoriums that currently lack necessary wheelchair access and modern sound systems. Klaus illustrated this by pointing out the middle school auditorium’s inadequacies, such as plaster walls containing asbestos and outdated seating arrangements. Plans include renovating these spaces to accommodate full assemblies and repurposing underutilized areas into functional instructional zones.

A major component of the referendum is the development of an athletic complex, which aims to serve both the schools and the wider community. The board has allocated funds for a multi-sport turf field, a competition-sized gym, and an auxiliary wrestling room. These facilities will allow for simultaneous practices for boys’ and girls’ teams and promote efficiency in managing student athletes’ schedules.

Financial aspects of the proposal were a focal point, with the total cost estimated at $46.7 million. The district expects to receive $9 million in state funding, covering nearly 20% of the overall project costs. This funding is earmarked for essential safety upgrades, such as replacing outdated fire alarm systems. The projected tax impact on the average assessed home value of $530,000 is calculated to be approximately $369 per year. The board stressed the importance of community members understanding the difference between assessed values and market values when considering the tax implications.

Concerns regarding maintaining historical buildings were also addressed. The proposal includes restoration efforts and potential partnerships with developers to ensure future developments align with community interests and school needs. Maintenance and repair considerations, such as replacing outdated windows and roofs, were highlighted to ensure the buildings’ longevity and adherence to safety standards.

The meeting also covered plans for early childhood education improvements. Haddonfield currently does not offer full-day kindergarten, a rarity in New Jersey. The proposed improvements would introduce full-day kindergarten, potentially adding 5,000 minutes of math instruction and other subject enhancements. The renovation plans for elementary schools include additional classrooms, expanded nurse’s offices, and dedicated guidance offices to accommodate the growing student population.

One community member questioned the district’s debt ceiling and the capacity to accommodate potential new students from developments like the 120-unit Bancroft rental project. Another raised concerns about the possibility of some projects being left out if the budget exceeds expectations, seeking clarity on prioritization and funding allocations.

A significant portion of the discussion revolved around the performing arts facilities. A speaker advocated for investment in these areas, emphasizing the educational value of performing arts and recounting experiences of broken seating disrupting performances. The board was urged to allocate budgetary resources equitably between athletics and the arts.

Concerns about the bond market and the district’s current bond rating were also raised, with requests for clarity on how these factors might influence future financial decisions. A participant recommended that detailed financial documents, including the district’s general ledger, be made publicly available to enhance transparency regarding expenditures in the upcoming referendum request.

The board acknowledged the importance of maintaining transparency and fostering community engagement through upcoming events and question-and-answer sessions. Visual representations of the proposed renovations were suggested to help the community visualize the projects, though it was noted that these should be approached cautiously to avoid unrealistic expectations.