Special election for facilities bond referendum set for Caldwell-West Caldwell school district

WEST CALDWELL TWP. The Caldwell-West Caldwell Board of Education voted Monday to authorize a special school district election on Tuesday, Dec. 9, on a proposed school facilities project bond referendum.

Superintendent James Heinegg said he plans to give a brief overview of the proposed project during next weeks Board of Education meeting on Monday, Oct. 13. No information, such as the size of the project or the estimated cost, will be released until then.

Board of Education President Mary Davidson also said that more information about the facilities bond referendum will be provided during upcoming Home School Association meetings, district elementary school family nights, and over events, as well as through the district website and newsletter. A final presentation for the public will take place at James Caldwell High School on Wednesday, Nov. 12.

In addition to further details on the facilities bond referendum, next Mondays board meeting will also include recognition of faculty and student achievements and National Merit Scholarship Program semifinalists, as well as a superintendents report on district standardized test scores.

Interim Business Administrator/Board Secretary Mark Kenney filled in for Kerry Keane, who resigned from the position back in August. Thomas Lambe, formerly of the Ho Ho Kus and Hopatcong school districts, will take over as the new business administrator/board secretary starting Monday, Oct. 27.

Seeds Of Discontent

In other business, when the floor was open to questions from the public, Kevin and Terry Murray of West Caldwell expressed concerns about workers seeding the field and operating machinery and moving vehicles at Jefferson School while children played on the playground and other areas in close proximity. They also inquired if any chemicals were being used around the children.

Buildings and Grounds Supervisor Frank Ennis told the Murrays that no chemicals were used, just water, grass seed, and a paper mulch product. He said that the crews use equipment designed to prevent flying debris, and that the workers are instructed to keep at least 15 feet away from students on the grounds.

If there is a turning blade, there is a potential for some rock or something to ricochet. If something happens to someone, then you will need another bond referendum to pay for the damages, said Kevin Murray.

Kids are curious about what is going on. What if an impulsive child is playing ball on the grass? Weve seen trucks show up at 8:45 and 11:45 no less than three times a week, said Terry Murray.

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Special election for facilities bond referendum set for Caldwell-West Caldwell school district