Urging Residents to Vote “Yes” for All Three Questions on PPS Bond Referendum
To the Editor:
Princeton’s public schools are a cornerstone of our community. On January 28, voters have the chance to ensure that our schools remain strong and healthy. Passing this measure is more than just addressing current needs — it’s a strategic investment in the future of Princeton for all residents.
As parents of students at Littlebrook Elementary School and Princeton Middle School, we moved to Princeton in 2017 because of its reputation for exceptional public education. From our crossing guard, Virginie, who greets our children by name each morning with a smile, to the teachers who support struggling students and inspire curious minds, every interaction reflects the care and excellence that define our schools.
However, our schools are facing significant challenges. They are overcrowded, common spaces like cafeterias and gyms are stretched beyond capacity, and aging buildings are showing their wear. Our sons have taken tests in hallways; crowd control is a daily exercise in creativity; and our Spanish teacher now teaches from a cart, moving between borrowed classrooms. Despite the hard work of staff and administrators to adapt, the state of our facilities is holding our schools back. With over 1,000 new housing units on the horizon, we must invest in our schools to accommodate a growing student population and uphold the standards of excellence that benefit every resident.
Investing in our schools benefits everyone, regardless of whether they have children currently enrolled. The National Bureau of Economic Research has shown that communities with well-funded schools experience stronger home values and greater economic stability. For Princeton, this referendum ensures our schools continue to drive excellence and preserve our community’s value.
After a rigorous planning process, the School Board proposed a thoughtful, cost-effective plan that prioritizes small class sizes — essential for academic success — while addressing critical infrastructure needs.
The referendum addresses several key priorities:
Critical infrastructure upgrades: Princeton High School’s HVAC system is beyond its useful life and must be replaced. Expanding Community Park School will allow more students to attend their neighborhood school, reducing busing costs and traffic congestion.
Relief from overcrowding: Princeton Middle School is at capacity, and creative solutions can no longer suffice. Littlebrook Elementary School, which serves one of the largest student populations, urgently needs additional classrooms and expanded spaces to meet student and staff needs.
Commitment to academic excellence: Small class sizes are vital to student success. New classrooms, science labs, performing arts spaces, and common spaces will enhance learning and ensure Princeton’s schools maintain our high standards.
For the average assessed home in Princeton, the cost of passing all three questions is $532 annually — less than $1.50 a day. Delaying these investments will only increase future costs as infrastructure continues to decline. Additionally, if the referendum passes, Princeton will receive an additional $19.9 million in state aid, significantly reducing the local taxpayer burden.
On January 28, we urge our neighbors to vote “yes” to all three questions on the school bond referendum to ensure that Princeton remains a desirable place to live and raise a family.