Q. When will the referendum takeplace, and why is it being held now?

A. Voters will be asked to come tothe polls on:

Tuesday, January 28, 2003,

between 2:00 PM and 9:00 PM.

Some of the reasons the Board ofEducation proposed the bond referen-dum at this time include:

� the need for additional classroomspace to accommodate a growing stu-dent population

� the need for core facilities (sharedareas) to accommodate an increasedenrollment

� the need to address current and futurecurriculum needs, e.g., science educa-tion, library services, performing arts

� the need to address health, safety, andother state-mandated facility stan-dards

� the need to eliminate substandardinstructional areas

� chance to vastly improve the effici-ency of our utilities

� the opportunity to take advantage ofState aid, which will reduce the coststo taxpayers if we pass the referen-dum.

� very favorable interest rates in astrong New Jersey bond market.

� the need for the district to continue toprovide a quality education for all stu-dents in a fiscally responsible manner.

We are already out of space in class-rooms and core facilities and this situa-tion will only worsen as more studentsenter the district schools.

Q. Don’t you have plenty of roomin the high school? Why can’t you

move students there if you’re socrowded?

A. The high school has over 500 stu-dents and is growing. We use all buttwo classrooms every day for instruc-tion. With an eight period day, teachershave classes five periods and use theirroom one period for planning andpreparation. Scheduling the remainingtwo periods would not even allow us toplace one other grade level in the highschool. Some may recall a time whenthe high school had many more stu-dents. That was a time when we didnot offer as many programs (TV pro-duction, computers, special education...)and didn’t use as much of the buildingfor central office staff as we do now.

Q. We’re not required to have a pre-school program. Why not eliminateit to save room and money?

A. While not required, preschoolsplay an increasingly important role inproviding a quality education. Havingour own program allows for control andconsistency of the curriculum offered. Itmakes it possible for us to identify stu-dents in need very early and providehelp to ensure academic competency. Ifwe didn’t have this program it wouldonly save four classrooms and not cre-ate an appreciable decrease in the taxrate. Having the program, however, is avery strong draw to those who are seek-ing to live in a supportive communityand it helps to protect/increase thevalue of all homes in the township.

Q. I heard you are going to use“modular construction.” We have agreat community, why would wewant trailers here?

A. Off site construction (modular)does not mean trailers. We are usingthis method to save time (it will cut theconstruction time in half) but not atthe risk of reducing quality. The addi-tions will not look or be built in aninferior manner. You will not be able totell the difference between what wepresently have and the additions.

Q. The list of proposed work isquite extensive. How will you com-plete all of it and not disrupt class-room instruction?

A. All construction has some incon-veniences that have to be dealt with.We will hold these to a minimum byusing off site construction and carefullyphasing in all of the work. We will notallow any situations that would putstudents or staff at risk.

Special BondSpecial BondReferendum IssueReferendum IssuePlease VoteJanuary 28

State Pays 21% of Bond

The district will receive nearly

$4 million from the state if the

January 28 bond referendum

passes. Every fifth dollar of the

project will come from state

aid as follows:

Total project cost: . . . .$18,918,888

Local Share: . . . . . . . . .$14,999,908

State Share: . . . . . . . . . .$3,918,980

Referendum Q & A Fact Sheet

(Continued on page 4.)

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WALTON ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Proposed Additions and Alterations

Walton:New construction� 9 kindergarten classrooms with bath-

rooms� 8 second grade classrooms� 2 preschool special education class-

rooms with bathrooms� 1 special education classroom� 1 gifted and talented classroom� 3 small group instruction areas (ESL,

BSI and special education)� 1 art room� 1 multi-purpose room (with bleachers

for 400)� toilets, stairwells, elevator, storage,

mechanical....as dictated by code� occupational and physical therapy

room

Renovation� conversion of 2 classrooms to create a

library� conversion of multi-purpose room to

create a kitchen, music room, stage,lobby, conference room, toilets andstorage...

� renovate existing CST/guidance roomand principal’s office to a nursing sta-tion

� conversion of present substandardlibrary to a faculty room

� conversion of present nursing stationto a guidance/CST office

Other� double the available parking spaces

(redesign entrance/exits)� address the drainage (including flood

potential)� replace existing roof...improve drainage� upgrade building’s electrical service� replace corridor windows� playground for grades one and two� replace one existing boiler

LEGEND

ProposedConstruction

Rennovations

ExistingConstruction

B O N D R E F E R E N D U M B U2

CALDWELL ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Proposed Alterations and Re

LEGEND

Rennovations

ExistingConstruction

SGI:Small Group Instruction

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S P R I N G F I E L D P U B L I C S C H O O L S / W I N T E R 2 0 0 3

Sandmeier:New construction

� storage areas for musicand art

� media center withoffice, conference room,storage, toilets, mechan-ical room

Renovation

� convert present libraryinto a music room

� convert present specialeducation room into anart room

� expand teachers workroom/dining area

Other

� carpeting of classroomswith loose tiles

� replace gym roof

� create additional parking

� move electrical wiringfrom under the floors toplenum

Caldwell:Renovation

� convert one classroom (anduse existing main office andnursing station) to developimproved main office, guid-ance, conference and nursingstation.

� convert three first floor class-rooms (and hall area) into alibrary

� convert existing second floorlibrary into two classrooms

Other

� increase parking spaces andaddress erosion/drainageproblems

� replace some exterior doors

� resurface the all-purposeroom’s floor

� replace one boiler

� upgrade the electrical service

� replace the plumbing wasteline

ADDITIONAL RENNOVATIONGaudineer:Renovation

� renovate four science classrooms

� replace all classroom windows

� convert present VP office bathroom into an ADA bathroom

� replace loose asbestos classroom floor tiles

� replace some exterior doors

Dayton:Renovation

� remodel five science classrooms

� upgrade the electrical service (to air condition the class-rooms)

� replace the boilers

� replace roofing

� improve auditorium lighting, carpeting, seating andentrance steps

� air condition auditorium and cafeteria

� replace carpeting in library

� create ADA bathroom in the nursing station

U I L D I N G F L O O R P L A N S

enovations

SANDMEIER ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Proposed Alterations and Renovations

LEGEND

ProposedConstruction

Rennovations

ExistingConstruction

3

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Q. Why wasn’t some of this workdone in previous years instead ofwaiting until you need to pass a ref-erendum?

A. The projects included in the refer-endum are too costly to budget in ourannual maintenance accounts. Our legallimit for increases (budget cap) makes itimpossible to fund these projects with-out severely limiting instructional pro-grams and services. Much of the workwe will do will help us to reduce theexpense of existing costs for utilitiesand maintenance.

Q. I appreciate the need for addres-sing our school buildings but whyaren’t you planning to do anythingabout our fields?

A. We are not ignoring the district’sathletic fields. We have begun a system-atic process for improving these areas.We cooperated with the township toobtain $100,000 from the county to domuch needed work, have purchasedequipment necessary to maintain thefields, are regularly attending to aera-tion, weeding, seeding and fertilizing,have joined a state turf managementassociation, and are cooperating withtownship and county officials regardingthe reopening of the Meisel Field. Thefields are a top priority for the district’smaintenance crew.

Q. Aren’t our class sizes alreadyvery small? Why don’t we just addmore kids to each class instead ofbuilding?

A. We have manageable class sizes.They are in line with the state’s recom-mended number of students per classand with the district’s instructionalgoals. Keeping class sizes low is one ofour highest priorities

Q. What if the referendum fails?What is your backup plan?

A. There is no backup plan. We arealready using several substandard areasfor instruction that the StateDepartment of Education is only per-mitting because we are making thiseffort to address our problems. With noadditional instructional space available,our increasing enrollment will meanincreased class sizes.

Q. How did the district settle onthe proposed grade configurations?

A. By making Walton a Pre-K tograde 2 school we are able to accom-plish several objectives. It keeps theyoungest students together for a longerperiod of time, helping to reinforce theparent/school “team” that is necessaryfor success. Taking grades 1 and 2 out ofCaldwell and Sandmeier makes room inthose schools so we can take grade 5out of Gaudineer and place them thereinstead. Most model middle schools inthe country span grades 6 to 8. Themiddle school and high school will thenbe able to deal with the expectedgrowth in enrollment.

Q. Parking and traffic is such aproblem. Have you considered thisin your plans?

A. Yes, we are going to increase theparking at each elementary school anddevelop a system that should help theflow of traffic at Walton.

Q. I want to vote on the referen-dum but would rather go straighthome after work. Is there any way Ican still vote?

A. Yes, all you need to do is completean absentee ballot and submit it to thecounty board of elections. Absenteeballots are available in each schooloffice. �

Non-Profit Org.U.S. PostagePA I D

Springfield, NJPermit No. 96

P O B O X 2 1 0 / S P R I N G F I E L D , N E W J E R S E Y 0 7 0 8 1

Springfield Board of Education

Linda Duke, PresidentLarry Levee, Vice PresidentStephen FischbeinRobert FishKeith KurznerIrwin SabloskyScott SamanskyJacqueline ShanesPatricia Vanezia

Dr. Walter Mahler, Superintendent of SchoolsDr. Judith Zimmerman, Assistant Superintendent

Affirmative Action: The Springfield SchoolDistrict guarantees each student equal educa-tional opportunity regardless of age, race, color,creed, religion, gender, ancestry, national origin,or marital or economic status. For information,contact District Affirmative Action Officer Dr.Judith Zimmerman, (973) 376-1025, ext. 1217.

Nondiscrimination: The Springfield SchoolDistrict does not discriminate against handi-capped persons in admission or access to or treat-ment or employment in the program, activities,and vocational opportunities. For information,contact District Public 504/ADA Officer LeslieVaccarino, (973) 376-1025, ext. 2595.

ECR WSS

Postal Patron

Springfield, NJ 07081

S P R I N G F I E L D P U B L I C S C H O O L S / W I N T E R 2 0 0 3

Referendum Q & A Fact Sheet (Continued from cover.)4

Bond Referendum — Please Vote January 28th — Polls Are Open From 2:00pm to 9:00pm.

Referendum Tax ImpactThe cost of the referendum is projected to be$165 for the average homeowner ... just 45cents a day. This is based on a twenty-year loanat a 4.75% interest rate, the current figure forrecent school bond sales. To determine your pro-jected increase, you can add 0.105 cents per hun-dred to your current tax rate. You’ll find that thecost of the referendum is very similar to theincrease for last year’s annual budget vote.

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