Aftermath of the 2024 Tenafly Schools Referendum

On September 17th, 2024, Tenafly voters casted their ballots in a town-wide referendum to determine the course of development for Tenafly’s public schools and facilities. The referendum itself was a major discussion in Tenafly for months before the actual vote occurred, with the TPS Board of Education holding forums, creating a website, and getting students involved with educating residents on what the proposal would entail. Having such a significant proposal voted on by thousands of Tenafly voters was a once in a decade opportunity. In the aftermath of the proposal’s adoption, it’s important for the people of Tenafly to understand what the referendum’s outcome aims to accomplish in Tenafly, and any effects the plan will have on them. 

What was the referendum about? 

The 2024 referendum was an opportunity for Tenafly residents to vote for or against a proposed plan to upgrade public facilities in Tenafly, mainly the schools, athletic spaces, and administrative buildings. The official website claims that “Tenafly’s referendum has something for everyone”, meaning that each school would benefit in some way if the proposal was adopted in the referendum. 

Repairs and renovations to the four elementary schools, the middle school, the high school, Geissinger track and turf field, and the district office would total to $76 million. However, should the referendum vote in favor for the plan, the state of New Jersey would pay $16.5 million in aid. Tenafly’s monetary contribution would be brought down to $59.5 million. State aid has been used in the past for other towns’ referendums. 

The referendum was quite narrow, with 1,199 Tenaflickians voting in favor of the proposal, and 1,187 voting against it. Consequently, the referendum passed with a margin of just twelve votes, highlighting how important even a single voter is in local decision making. However, voter turnout, despite a fierce push by the Borough and Tenafly Public Schools to get voters to participate, was only 22.2%, according to the New Jersey Globe. 

Why does the referendum matter?

Although Tenafly’s academics are known for being “top notch”, the Board of Education claims that current educational facilities don’t meet the standards of our community. With some school buildings almost 100 years old, modernization and upgrades are essential for student safety, comfort, and more efficient learning. The bottom line of the referendum is whether or not to spend a certain amount of money on repairing, renewing, and renovating essential parts of the public schools and athletic facilities. 

The current operating budget leaves little for building upgrades, even as many school buildings are decades old and in need of repairs to better meet ADA accessibility standards (Americans with Disabilities Act). 

Projects covered by the referendum also apply to public facilities, like Geissinger track and field. While the current facilities at that particular location are acceptable, they lack many basic amenities such as public bathrooms and heating. The referendum will supposedly benefit the public and student athletes greatly, improving their experiences and making it easier to enjoy one of Tenafly’s most important athletic spaces.

What will the proposal bring to Tenafly?

The referendum brings a slew of projects to the public schools in particular. Building upgrades, improved heating and air conditioning units, larger classroom space, better and more readily accessible restrooms, heightened security, and projects on school grounds are all set to take place. The high school in particular is to revamp a large portion of its grounds, installing a walking track, night lighting, a multi-sport field, and a new fieldhouse with public bathrooms. The referendum’s webpage claims that these additions would “better serve our high school athletes and communities”. 

The Borough plans to increase practice and game time for Tenafly athletic teams by 30 hours per week, as well as provide much better amenities such as bathrooms for spectators. The four-lane track would also be accessible to the community, relieving some stress off of Geissinger Field.

Besides benefiting Tenafly’s athletics public recreation program, roofs, windows, bathrooms, heating and A/C units, and security issues would be upgraded to modern standards across the public schools. In particular, the elementary schools would gain more space for student support resources.

Reportedly, none of these additions will affect student enrollment rates or academic/athletic opportunities. For more information on the specific improvements and projects planned for each location, please refer to this page on the 2024 Tenafly referendum website. 

What effects will the referendum have on the taxpayer?

The referendum’s website states that “the local tax impact is estimated to be $881 per year for the average assessed home of $839,023.” The Borough hasn’t released any other information pertaining to how the approved referendum would economically affect residents. 

While a lot of information has been released on the referendum’s planned projects, TownSquare seeks to learn more about the proposal’s future. We aim to establish a timeline for project completion, investigate further effects on Tenafly taxpayers, lay down more facts as to what specific problems are being addressed by the approved plan, and get the opinions of Borough officials, Board of Education officials, and Tenafly residents.

Stay tuned!