Dear West Essex School Community,

This week, we are highlighting another learning space included in the proposed Nov. 3 bond referendum: The West Essex High School Media Center.

The current media center, the heart of our school, has remained largely unchanged since the 1960s. While it continues to serve our students and staff each day, its aging layout, furnishings, and design no longer fully support the collaborative, creative, and hands-on learning experiences that prepare our students for the future.

The proposed renovation would create a more flexible and welcoming environment for research, independent learning, classroom collaboration, student activities, meetings, presentations, and professional development. The design includes flexible workspaces, movable furniture, improved sight lines, and areas that could accommodate students who participate in a variety of academic and school activities.

In this short video, West Essex High School Principal Dr. Kimberly Westervelt takes a closer look at the current Media Center and shares how the proposed renovation could better support students and staff members while creating more opportunities to use this space throughout the school day.

For more information, please explore this referendum page.

Thank you for continuing to stay informed.

Sincerely,

Damion Macioci, Superintendent of Schools
Maryadele Wojtowicz, Board of Education President

Dear West Essex School Community,

As we continue sharing information about the proposed November 3 bond referendum, we would like to take a closer look at one of the learning spaces included in the proposal: the West Essex High School Journalism Lab.

The current Journalism Lab was originally designed as a computer lab and is limited in both size and flexibility. The proposed renovation would create a larger, collaborative environment designed for writing, editing, broadcasting, photography, and digital media production.

Students in this program produce both the print and digital editions of The Wessex Wire, the school’s student-run newspaper. Each season, students also conduct interviews and produce promotional videos for athletic teams during Media Day, gaining valuable hands-on experience in journalism, digital media, and multimedia storytelling. Journalism II further enhances the program by offering students the opportunity to earn dual credit through Montclair State University.

In this short video, West Essex High School Principal Dr. Westervelt takes us inside the current Journalism Lab and shares how the proposed space could enhance student learning and expand hands-on experiences.

For more details about the proposal and how to cast your ballot, please explore the resources on this webpage.

Sincerely,

Damion Macioci, Superintendent of Schools
Maryadele Wojtowicz, Board of Education President

Dear West Essex School Community,

Over the past several weeks, we have shared information about the proposed bond referendum, including projects focused on our learning spaces, safety and security, infrastructure, and community facilities. We have also provided information about the financial strategy behind the proposal and the use of a bond referendum to fund these improvements.

Planning for these projects began several years ago and has included the work of architects, engineers, financial advisors, district staff, and the Board of Education. Throughout this process, our commitment has remained the same: to provide clear, accurate, and transparent information so residents can make informed decisions.

We will continue to share information with our community through district communications, Board of Education meetings, local publications, printed materials, and the West Essex Referendum Page.

As an additional resource, the district has created a Referendum Video that provides an overview of the proposal and a closer look at the facilities and spaces included in the plan. It also highlights how the proposed improvements would support district programs and the student experience. 

Thank you for taking the time to stay informed and engaged throughout this process. We appreciate your continued partnership and involvement in our school community.

Sincerely,

Damion Macioci, Superintendent of Schools
Maryadele Wojtowicz, Board of Education President

Dear West Essex School Community,

Throughout our district, shared spaces bring students, families, and community members together for learning, performances, athletics, and events.

The proposed November 3 referendum includes improvements to several of these spaces, with projects focused on functionality, accessibility, and supporting the many ways they are used by our schools and community.

One of those spaces is the middle school auditorium, which remains largely unchanged since the building originally opened. Proposed renovations include air conditioning and updates to the auditorium’s audio, lighting, technology, and storage. These improvements would support a wide range of student performances, school programs, and community events.

Accessibility is also an important part of the proposed renovations. Improvements such as ramps and railings would make the auditorium more accessible for students, staff members, families, and community members.

The referendum also includes proposed improvements to outdoor athletic spaces, including replacing grass fields with artificial turf, as well as new stadium bleachers and a press box. The fields are used by students in grades 7 through 12 for physical education, along with the marching band, extracurricular programs, athletics, and community organizations. From the school day into the evening, these spaces serve students, families, and visitors throughout the year.

Together, these proposed projects are intended to improve the functionality and accessibility of spaces that are used by both our schools and the broader community.

Thank you for your continued engagement and for taking the time to learn about the proposed referendum.

Sincerely,

Damion Macioci, Superintendent of Schools
Maryadele Wojtowicz, Board of Education President

Dear West Essex School Community,

One of the key goals of the November 3 referendum is to address aging building systems and structures before they require costly emergency repairs.

The district takes a proactive approach to maintaining our facilities. Approximately 10% of our annual budget is dedicated to building maintenance, and our talented maintenance staff completes many repairs in-house, helping the district save money and address issues before they become larger problems. Even with these ongoing efforts, several HVAC units, exterior walls, and other infrastructure components have reached or are nearing the end of their expected lifespan.

Replacing these systems as part of a planned improvement program can enhance energy efficiency, indoor comfort, and reliability. Addressing these needs before significant problems arise can also reduce the likelihood of unexpected failures and the potentially higher costs associated with emergency repairs. With voter approval, the district would also be eligible for state aid covering approximately one-third of the eligible project costs.

Much like homeowners who plan for the replacement of roofs, furnaces, or windows as they age, school districts must plan for the long-term needs of their facilities. This approach allows the district to protect its buildings, plan investments responsibly, and make careful use of the community’s tax dollars.

Thank you for taking the time to learn more about the district’s long-range facilities planning and the projects included in the November 3 referendum.

Sincerely,

Damion Macioci, Superintendent of Schools
Maryadele Wojtowicz, Board of Education President

Dear West Essex School Community,

Providing safe and secure schools remains one of the district’s highest priorities, and the proposed referendum reflects that commitment. Several projects included in the proposal are designed to strengthen school security while maintaining welcoming and supportive learning environments for our students and staff.

School safety and security projects qualify for the maximum level of state aid. As a result, approximately one-third of the eligible project costs would be covered by the state, helping to reduce the impact on local taxpayers. This state aid is available only with voter approval of the referendum.

Proposed upgrades include secure entrance vestibules at both schools, replacement of aging exterior and interior doors, updated door hardware, and keyless access systems fully integrated with the district’s security network.

These enhancements reflect current school safety best practices and would provide staff with greater control over building access while strengthening the district’s ability to respond effectively in an emergency. They would also allow designated areas of our schools to be secured quickly when necessary.

Maintaining safe, secure, and welcoming schools is essential to supporting student learning and sustaining our community’s confidence in its school facilities.

Please visit our Referendum page to learn more about the proposal and its projects.

Thank you for your continued partnership in education.

Sincerely,

Damion Macioci, Superintendent of Schools
Maryadele Wojtowicz, Board of Education President

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Dear West Essex School Community,

Today's schools require learning spaces that support collaboration, technology, and a variety of instructional programs. The reputation of our high-achieving district speaks for itself; we are consistently ranked among the top places to learn and work in New Jersey. Our students are successful, and to prepare them for their next steps, our programs are constantly evolving. 

However, West Essex needs more space at the high school to support its commitment to innovation and opportunity. Currently, many teachers share classrooms throughout the school day because instructional space is limited. This reduces scheduling flexibility and limits opportunities to expand programs. 

The referendum includes a two-story classroom addition, a renovated media center, and a modern journalism lab designed to support today's students while providing versatility for the future. 

The additional classrooms would also support small-group instruction, student services, standardized testing requirements, and the continued growth of specialized programs such as WE Thrive. 

These projects are intended to provide students and staff with learning environments that reflect the high-quality educational experience our community expects and deserves. 

Hear directly from WEHS Principal Dr. Kimberly Westervelt about how these improvements would benefit our students (see below).

Thank you for staying informed. 

Sincerely,
Damion Macioci, Superintendent of Schools
Maryadele Wojtowicz, Board of Education President

Dear West Essex School Community, 

One important benefit of using a bond referendum to fund school improvement projects is state aid. Every New Jersey taxpayer contributes to the revenue that helps support school improvement projects. However, districts can only access these funds if voters approve a referendum. That means every time a district passes a referendum in New Jersey, your tax dollars help pay for it. 
 
We are pleased to share that the New Jersey Department of Education has approved approximately $9.3 million in state aid for both questions being proposed by West Essex. This includes $8.3 million for Question 1 and $1 million for Question 2. This funding helps reduce the amount that must be financed by local taxpayers, while allowing the district to complete important facility improvements. 
 
Without voter approval, our district would continue paying for eligible improvements entirely through local funding, while other communities receive state assistance for similar projects. Although not every project qualifies for state aid, West Essex has an opportunity to bring significant tax dollars back to our communities and offset the local cost of the proposed improvements. 
 
The estimated monthly tax impact for Question 1 is $21 in Essex Fells, $15 in Fairfield, $22 in North Caldwell, and $15 in Roseland based on the average assessed home in each municipality.  

If Question 2 is also approved, the additional estimated monthly impact would be $4 in Essex Fells, $3 in Fairfield, $4 in North Caldwell, and $3 in Roseland.  

The estimated tax impact is based on the average assessed home, which is: $947,342 for Essex Fells; $530,788 for Fairfield; $800,484 for North Caldwell; and $639,995 for Roseland. Assessed value is different and typically less than market value.  

Additional information about the proposed projects, state aid, estimated tax impact, and how to determine your home’s assessed value is available on this webpage. 
 
Thank you for staying informed. 

Sincerely,
Damion Macioci, Superintendent of Schools
Maryadele Wojtowicz, Board of Education President

Dear West Essex School Community, 

You may be wondering why some of the proposed school improvement projects cannot be completed through the annual budget.  

The reality is that many projects already are. This week’s email will review the district’s fiscally responsible approach to maintenance. 

Each year, about 10% of our annual budget is dedicated to maintenance projects. Over the past 12 years, the district has invested more than $12 million in school improvements using annual budget funds, capital reserve, and the expertise of our in-house maintenance staff. Every summer, classrooms are renovated, systems are repaired, and facilities are upgraded with no additional cost to the taxpayers.  
 
This proactive approach has allowed us to maintain our schools while keeping our focus on student programs and minimizing tax increases. Our goal is to fix and replace things before they break down and lead to costly emergency repairs. 
 
However, projects such as major additions, infrastructure replacement, and extensive renovations are simply too large to complete one project at a time through the annual budget. 
 
An approved referendum would provide upfront funding, so critical improvements can be completed over a few years rather than decades. If voters approve, many of the projects included in the referendum would qualify for state aid to offset the tax impact. We don’t receive that benefit if we complete projects through the budget or capital reserve funds. 
 
Thank you for taking the time to learn more about this important process.

Sincerely,
Damion Macioci, Superintendent of Schools
Maryadele Wojtowicz, Board of Education President

Dear West Essex School Community,

Over the next several weeks, we will be sharing a series of brief emails explaining the proposed November 3 bond referendum. Each message will focus on one topic so our community can better understand the projects being considered and the reasons behind them.

This week, we would like to answer a simple question: Why is a referendum needed?

Our middle and high school buildings have served generations of students well. While they have been carefully maintained over the years, many building components date back to the original construction in the 1960s and are reaching the end of their useful life.

Routine maintenance can address everyday repairs, but larger projects, such as replacing aging infrastructure, modernizing learning spaces, and improving school security, are beyond what can reasonably be funded through the annual operating budget.

A bond referendum provides an opportunity for voters to decide whether these long-term improvements should move forward, with eligible projects receiving financial support from the State of New Jersey.

Our goal throughout this process is simple: provide clear, factual information so every resident can make an informed decision on November 3.

Thank you for your continued interest.

Sincerely,
Damion Macioci, Superintendent of Schools
Maryadele Wojtowicz, Board of Education President

Dear West Essex Community,

As you know, the West Essex Board of Education is planning a bond referendum on November 3. We invite you to join us for our next Board meeting on Wednesday, July 15, at 6:00 p.m. in the West Essex Middle School cafeteria classroom, where we will share important updates.

The district has received preliminary project cost estimates and state aid eligibility information from the New Jersey Department of Education. During the meeting, we will share these preliminary figures and provide an update on the next steps in the referendum planning process.

If you are unable to attend in person, the meeting will be livestreamed and recorded. The recording will be posted on the district website, and the meeting will also be available on the West Essex YouTube channel.

We appreciate your continued interest and look forward to keeping you informed as additional information becomes available.

Sincerely,
Damion Macioci, Superintendent of Schools
Maryadele Wojtowicz, Board of Education President