Referendum

Update 1 - Identifying the Need for a Referendum (August 12th, 2025)

The Board of Education, in conjunction with the district administration, has identified the need to pursue a referendum to address critical facility needs within our schools ... We are committed to ensuring that this process is transparent and inclusive. Regular updates and detailed communications will be shared with our school community throughout all phases of the planning process.

Read The Full Letter

Update 2 - Beginning Stages of Project Planning (September 15th, 2025)

At the Monday, September 15th Board of Education meeting, Mrs. Melissa Kida, Assistant Superintendent for Business / Board Secretary, provided an update on the referendum. She stressed that the administration and Board of Education are still in the early stages of the planning process.

The district is looking at several possibilities with regard to facility upgrades, explaining that some parts of WEHS and WEMS are original to the construction of each building (1960s). The identification process is ongoing as district leadership works hand-in-hand with the architect.

Mrs. Kida also discussed the need to pursue a demographic study in order to get an accurate picture of the West Essex community.  Further, she explained that the district is working with the bond company in order to reduce taxpayer impact. 

Slide From September 15th Board Meeting

Update 3 - Community Letter Re: September 15th Board Meeting (September 19th, 2025)

After the Monday, September 15th, 2025 Board Meeting referendum update (see Update 2 above), a letter was sent to community members by Deborah Sacco-Calderone, Board President, and Damion Macioci, Superintendent of Schools, on Friday, September 19th, 2025.

The letter reiterates what was discussed at Monday's meeting, including that the planning process is still in its early stages, and that District Administrations and Board Members are looking at several possibilities with regard to facility upgrades that are original to the construction of each building (1960s). The letter also discusses a proposed demographic study, as well as plans to work with the bond company to reduce taxpayer impact. 

Click Here To Read The Full Letter

Update 4 - Special Referendum-Focused Board Meeting & Community Letter (October 1st, 2025)

The West Essex Regional School District Board of Education held a Special Referendum-Focused Board Meeting on September 30th, 2025. After the meeting, a letter was sent to community members by Deborah Sacco-Calderone, Board President, and Damion Macioci, Superintendent of Schools, on Wednesday, October 1st, 2025 summarizing the discussions that took place.

The letter explains that updates were shared regarding important facility needs identified across our middle school, high school, and campus grounds. The letter also reiterates that the District is still awaiting the results of a comprehensive demographic study. Finally, the letter outlines the District's thinking with regard to when the referendum vote will be held. 

For specifics, please read the letter attached below.

Click Here To Read The Full Letter

Update 5 - Special Referendum-Focused Board Meeting & Community Letter (November 18th, 2025)

Following the Special Board Meeting on November 13, Superintendent Macioci and Board President Sacco-Calderone provided an update on the ongoing planning for the district’s referendum, including updates since the last meeting (September 30th).

Board of Education members completed an in-depth tour of the middle school, high school, and outdoor facilities, giving valuable insight into current conditions. Facility needs have now been categorized as low, medium, or high priority to guide decision-making as planning continues. 

Further, the district is still awaiting the results of a comprehensive demographic study, which will offer important data on enrollment trends, community growth, and local housing developments. These findings will play an essential role in shaping long-term planning and ensuring that any proposed projects align with the future needs of our district.

For specific key areas currently under consideration, please read the letter attached below.

Click Here To Read The Full Letter

Update 6 - Community Letter to Sending-District Families (November 19th, 2025)

On November 19th, 2025, Superintendent Damion Macioci sent a letter to families in our sending districts (Essex Fells, Fairfield, North Caldwell, and Roseland). In it, he discussed the ongoing West Essex referendum project, summarized recent developments, and reaffirmed his commitment to keeping all sending district families informed. He also invited families to sign up for regular district communications by completing a provided form.

For more information, please see the full letter below.

Click Here To Read The Full Letter

Update 7 - Community Letter Regarding Referendum Planning Process (January 9th, 2026)

As the new year begins, Superintendent of Schools Damion Macioci and Board President Maryadele Wojtowicz provided an update to the community regarding the ongoing referendum planning process. They announced that discussions are ongoing, and that no final decisions have been made. They reaffirmed the district's commitment to fiscal responsibility and open lines of communication.

For more information, please see the full letter below. 

Click Here To Read The Full Letter

Update 8 - Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) Published on our Website (January 22nd, 2026)

Superintendent of Schools Damion Macioci and Board President Maryadele Wojtowicz announced that the Board of Education and district administration remain committed to keeping the community informed as the referendum planning process continues.

To support community understanding, they also shared that a set of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) related to school referendums and the district’s planning efforts has been published on the district website. These FAQs address common questions about what a referendum is, why it is being considered, how priorities are determined, and how community members can stay informed and involved.

For more information, please see the full letter below.    

Click Here To Read The Full Letter

Click Here to view our faqs webpage

Update 10 - Architect Presentation at Public Board Meeting (February 9th, 2026)

At the February 9th, 2026 public Board of Education meeting, Allen Barnett from our architectural firm, BWS Architects, presented updated information related to the district's referendum planning process. Specifically, the presentation covered four key topics:

1. Proposed referendum projects & scope of work
2. Structure of the referendum voting questions on the ballot
3. Estimated cost of the referendum before state aid
4. Proposed timeline of the referendum

All West Essex stakeholders, including families, students, staff, and community members were invited to attend this meeting and ask questions. For those unable to join in person, the meeting was also live-streamed (and is now posted) on the West Essex YouTube Channel.

The Board of Education is scheduled to vote on submitting the project application to the New Jersey Department of Education (NJDOE) at the February 19, 2026 Board of Education meeting. Although this meeting is a Board of Education retreat, it is still open to the public and action will be taken.

As we move forward, we remain committed to transparency and inclusivity. Additional information and resources will continue to be shared through district communications, Board of Education meetings, and on our Referendum Information Page. Thank you for your ongoing commitment to our students, staff, and schools.

B | W | S  Architects Complete Referendum Presentation

Update 11 - Two Letters to the West Essex Community & Alumni Families (February 20th, 2026)

On Friday, February 20, 2026, Superintendent of Schools Damion Macioci and Board President Maryadele Wojtowicz sent two email correspondences to the West Essex community regarding the ongoing referendum process. 

The first letter was sent to West Essex families & community members notifying them that the West Essex Board of Education took another step toward a referendum at its February 19 meeting. The Board approved the submission of project applications for state review, a required step in the bond referendum process. The district expects to hear back from the state by the end of the spring with a determination on state aid, a motivating factor in the decision to hold a bond referendum. The letter also outlines areas of focus included in the application.

The second letter was sent to West Essex Alumni and their families, inviting them to learn more about the ongoing referendum process. Superintendent Macioci provided a timeline of past referendum communications and planned events, as well as the opportunity for families to sign up for future communications. 

For more information, please see both letters below. 

Letter to West Essex Families

Letter to West Essex Alumni & Their Families