The student news site of Bernards High School

The Crimson

The student news site of Bernards High School

The Crimson

The student news site of Bernards High School

The Crimson

2015 Referendum vote succeeds with passing vote

Design+plan+for+the+Referendum+Vote
Jake Rosen
Design plan for the Referendum Vote

On November 3, 2015, a vote was taken to determine whether or not a referendum proposed by the Somerset Hills School District be put into place. The plan is not cheap, with the total cost of the project being $5,829,094. However, there is a 40% state contribution, which brings the cost for the taxpayers down to $3,497,456. The plan is to accomplish five main ideas, benefiting the three schools within the Somerset Hills School District. Within Bernards High, there will be the creation of special and general education classrooms and the conversion of former unused auditoriums to a library/media center.

In addition, the high school will benefit from around 40 new parking spots. For both Bedwell and and the Middle School a new sidewalk will be added on Seney Drive. Bedwell will also receive renovations in its bathrooms and an ADA compliance.The two main points that the referendum addresses are the lack of special education classrooms at Bernards High School, and the unused auditorium, which is currently being renovated. There is said to be a lack of special education classrooms, as students with mental or physical disabilities are in the same place as other students. With the creation of the classrooms, students with disabilities have a place to go where they can be accompanied for. There will also be a wheelchair-accessible entrance to the classrooms. Secondly, there will be a conversion of the former unused auditorium into a library and media center.

“[The current library] needs an upgrade,” freshman, Caroline Hoyt, said. “The books are outdated, and we need better quality computers.” Hoyt also said, “It is kind of small.”

These are problems that will be addressed with the library upgrade. The change will move the library to the heart of the school, offering more space and easier access for all students. Included in the plans are more seating for students, charging stations, printing stations, and media centers, along with books, of course. The library will also have around three rooms for student to reserve for a set amount of time. The rooms will feature a whiteboard, around six chairs, and a table. Another problem being fixed with the pass of the referendum vote, are the Bedwell bathrooms. These bathrooms are old, beaten-up, and do not comply with requirements from the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Also, there will be a new sidewalk on Seney Drive, for students to comply with safety measures.
“If the referendum passes, we have the plans, and are ready,” Mr. Neigel, principal of Bernards High said. “[The construction team] will start immediately. They are hoping to make a lot of progress within a year.” Mr. Neigel continued by saying, “The old auditorium will be changed to a library/media center. We need more balance between technology and books. Our students work really hard. There is so much focus on academics. It is designed to promote student learning.”

There will also be more parking spots for Seniors, as the current parking situation is an issue. “I think right now it is 40 spots,” Mr. Neigel said. “I am hoping for more, but that is what I am told now. Hopefully we free up some spots in the main parking lot. We do not have enough parking right now.”

The referendum was passed, so therefore the changes listed above will come to fruition.

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