Schools

$12.5M Referendum Question OK'd for Public Vote

Watchung Hills school board approves single question for Sept. 24 vote.

After considerable wrangling on the language—and whether to put one or two questions before voters—the Watchung Hills Regional Board of Education approved a single $12.5 million question for voters to decide Sept. 24.

The projects include a series of major repair projects board members have been trying to find funding to undertake for several years, including replacing the 57-year-old steam heating pipe system in the South Building, replacing the roof on the South and North buildings, replace non-functioning exhaust fans, and replace the leaking glass window wall.

The referendum question also will include funding for redesign of the school's two cafeterias for improved efficiency, install an emergency access roadway at the south end of the school, and repave the school's parking lots.

Board members split on the vote for the referendum question, with Board President Robert Horowitz, Barry Hunsinger, Gregory Przybylski, Chris Collins and Sondra Fechtner voting for the resolution for a singe referendum question.

Board members Lisa Dimizio, Peter Falzarano, Board Vice President Harold Grossnickle and Laura Mandell voting against it, with most saying they preferred having the parking lots placed as a second question.

Board members will now begin working to explain the referendum to voters, including the need for the work, and the state reimbursement of 40 percent of the costs


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here