Ridgewood reviews a possible $140 million school-building upgrade package

What happened

The board reviewed a districtwide list of building upgrades that could be considered for a November 2027 referendum, but it did not approve the projects or a referendum. The preliminary list includes heating-system conversions and security vestibules, and board members requested more detailed costs and independent validation before deciding what to pursue.

Why it matters to families

If advanced, the package could lead to substantial building work and a major capital funding request affecting families across the district; the scope, final price and referendum remain undecided.

The evidence

At the Oct. 5 meeting, a board member described the proposed projects as totaling about $140 million and referenced a possible November 2027 referendum. Discussion included heating conversions and districtwide security vestibules. Board members questioned the estimates and requested additional project detail and validation; the meeting ended without a vote on the package or referendum.

The source