Weekly Referendum Letter 6: Maintaining A Proactive Building Maintenance Strategy

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

Learn More at www.westex.org/referendum