March 14 Special Election Could Access State Funding Toward Infrastructure Repairs at Saddle Brook School District 

Saddle Brook, N.J. – Saddle Brook School District reminds residents to vote on Tuesday, March 14 in a special election that, if approved, would allow the district to fix its current school buildings and update safety features using $4.2 million in state aid. Polls will be open from 1 to 8 p.m. at the usual polling locations.

“Timing is a key factor here,” said Superintendent Toni Violetti. “Our district will need to make these critical infrastructure repairs regardless of the vote outcome. We are trying to do these projects in the most fiscally responsible way by accessing state aid and timing the projects with the payoff of old debt.”

The March 14 proposal totals $14.4 million and, if the bond referendum is approved, captures state aid to cover 29 percent of the project costs. This type of funding is only available to the district through a voter approved bond referendum.

“Without the $4.2 million from the state, it will take the district decades to complete these projects through our local school budget,” said the district’s Business Administrator Raymond Karaty.

Voters will consider a plan to finance:

• Replacement of various windows, doors, ceilings, roofs, restrooms, and floors across all school buildings.
• Safety and security upgrades to enhance protection for students and staff.
• An athletic turf field and lights at the Middle/High School for the entire community’s benefit.
• Renovations at Washington Elementary School to turn unused space into pre-kindergarten classrooms, eliminating the waitlist and generating tuition revenue.
• Interior restoration of Coolidge School, including an elevator for ADA compliance.

Saddle Brook School District encourages all registered voters to make their voices heard. Cast your ballot in-person at your regular polling place from 1 – 8 p.m. on Tuesday, March 14. Residents who received a vote-by-mail ballot must have their ballots postmarked by March 14.

More information about voting, project details, financial information and frequently asked questions is available at sbpsnj.org/referendum.