Stating Case for a “No” Vote on the Princeton Public Schools Referendum
To the Editor:
Princeton residents are being asked to approve another tax hike for Princeton Public Schools (PPS) through the 2025 referendum. While our schools are vital to the community, this referendum highlights the failures of three key entities — PPS, the municipal Council, and the local Democratic machine — to work together effectively. A “no” vote isn’t about rejecting support for children but about demanding accountability and sustainable governance.
PILOT (Payment in Lieu of Taxes) from new apartment developments total over $2.66 million annually. Historically, 50 percent of tax revenue has gone to schools, and PILOT, as a tax payment, should follow the same principle. PPS should receive $1.33 million yearly from this revenue stream, a figure likely to grow over time.
For years, the Council has avoided addressing how PILOT funds will be shared, implying no intention of including PPS. This silence is especially troubling given the Council’s push for high-density housing developments. Refusing to share PILOT revenue only fuels opposition to these projects, as concerns about increased school costs remain unaddressed. Yet the Council has promised PPS nothing, leaving taxpayers to shoulder the shortfall through higher property taxes. Meanwhile, the Council approved $50 million to acquire Westminster Choir College, a property mired in legal disputes, in what appears to be a convoluted attempt to swap land with PPS for its Valley Road property. Instead of tackling urgent financial concerns, the Council plays games with public funds.
PPS leadership has also failed to address inefficiencies that worsen overcrowding and strain budgets. The dual-language program at Community Park Elementary complicates redistricting, making it harder to distribute students efficiently across schools. Additionally, PPS enrolls over 100 children of staff and teachers who reside outside Princeton but does not charge them the $28,000 per-student cost. Furthermore, the send/receive agreement with Cranbury, which brings in 272 students, remains in place. While not the primary issue now, phasing it out could help alleviate overcrowding as younger students from new developments move through the system. These unresolved issues erode trust in PPS’ ability to manage resources responsibly.
Princeton is a one-party state ruled by the Democratic machine. One supposed advantage of one-party dominance is the ability to steamroll decisions and get things done. Yet, even with total control, the politburo can’t seem to get their own members in the Council and Board of Education to resolve the critical issue of school funding — something everyone agrees is essential. If they can’t manage this, voters should ask: Why keep electing candidates endorsed by these insiders while rejecting BOE members who advocate for fiscal responsibility?
These three entities — PPS, the Council, and the political machine — should be pillars supporting our schools. Instead, they are bungling the one issue that matters most: education. A “no” vote of the referendum isn’t rejecting school improvements — it’s a necessary delay to demand better governance, PILOT sharing, and accountability. Don’t let them assume taxpayers will always say “yes” without fixing these issues. Vote “no.”