Weekly Referendum Letter 7: Spaces That Bring Our Community Together

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

Learn More at www.westex.org/referendum