Following the November 8th general election, the 2022 New Providence School District Bond Referendum passed with the unofficial results of 3,482 yes votes and 1,381 no votes. Despite cost concerns, a large percentage of New Providence residents voted in favor of the referendum, which will request approximately a 2% tax increase to fund various district wide improvements, including enhanced HVAC upgrades and flexible furniture.

The district’s ability to communicate and promote the referendum, as well as community support made for a successful passage.

According to James Testa, the School Business Administrator and Board Secretary, information sent out by the school district was essential for gaining the public’s support: “Communication was key. The community believed in it and understood that we needed the upgrades so students could have a better learning environment.”

The Board held numerous events and meetings that were open to the public prior to election day. They also publicized the proposal across town through the use of social media, infographics, flyers, and banners to communicate the urgency of the referendum and clarify any questions voters and residents may have had. The Board of Education hoped that more people would vote in favor of the referendum once they had a clear understanding of the issues at hand.

As shown by the results of the election, many New Providence residents agreed with the Board’s goal of “giving staff and students enhanced HVAC upgrades, encouraging their social and emotional learning, and making needed capital improvements.” 

“Students need modern facilities in this modern age. It keeps morale high for both students and teachers and keeps the reputation of the school district high,” New Providence resident Dave Harris said. 

Since the passing of the referendum, those involved have been working diligently to complete the next stages of the plan. 

 “We’ve got to move pretty fast,” Testa said. “We already had a zoom conference with our architects, consultants, and engineers. We’re actually going to have a couple of them on site the next couple of days when school is closed to start looking at these systems.”

Additionally, Testa is in the process of meeting with the bond counsel to decide the time frame for borrowing the $22.2 million the district will be using to finance everything. The New Providence School District will be on the fast track with hopes of solidifying contracts between March and April and completing most projects by the summer of 2023. By the 2024 school year, our schools will be seeing major advancements which will make learning and teaching a better experience for all.