Construction related to the referendum continues across the Scotch Plains-Fanwood Public Schools and remains on track for pre-kindergarten students to be welcomed to the renovated La Grande Elementary School for the 2026-27 school year and for critical HVAC, electrical, and fire alarm upgrades to be completed in several schools. 

“We are incredibly grateful to the Scotch Plains and Fanwood communities for supporting the referendum last year,” said Superintendent Dr. Joan Mast. “We are excited to see the construction work progressing, from new walls and floors being installed at La Grande to new electrical panels that will support HVAC upgrades at our elementary schools.” 

The recent warm weather showed why the HVAC projects, in particular, are important. By the 2027-28 school year, all Scotch Plains-Fanwood schools will have universal air conditioning. 

“The referendum projects will positively impact every student and staff member in our district, leaving a lasting impact,” Mast said. 

In January 2025, Scotch Plains-Fanwood residents approved the $44.77 million referendum, with $11.4 million in state funding, to bring essential upgrades to all schools in the district. The plan included: 

• Upgrade HVAC, electrical, and fire alarm systems across all schools, as well as universal air conditioning.  

• Purchase the La Grande Building at 330 South Avenue in Fanwood to serve as one location for all pre-kindergarten classes, freeing up nine classrooms across the elementary schools and easing space constraints.  

• Fund the annual operating costs of La Grande, including salaries and benefits for staff. 

Interior demolition and renovations on the first and second floor of La Grande Elementary School began shortly after the district purchased the building in May 2025. In addition to the interior renovations, a selective roof replacement, parking lot restoration, security and technology enhancements, and new playground equipment are also underway.  

Students eligible for SPF’s pre-kindergarten program will attend La Grande Elementary School starting in September 2026. 

The district has also made significant progress on fire alarm system upgrades. New systems have been installed at Brunner, Coles, and School One Elementary Schools. Work is underway at Evergreen and La Grande, with completion anticipated before the start of the school year. 

To efficiently manage the districtwide HVAC and electrical upgrades, the district divided that work into two construction packages based on project complexity and equipment lead times.  

Electrical panels, conduit, and wiring installations needed for HVAC updates at Brunner, Evergreen, and McGinn schools began in March 2026 and are expected to be completed by August 2026. 

At Coles, School One, Terrill, Nettingham and Scotch Plains-Fanwood High School, HVAC and electrical improvements are scheduled to begin in Spring 2027, with completion anticipated in Fall 2027. 

The district continues to work closely with contractors and its construction management team to schedule projects outside of school hours whenever possible, helping minimize disruptions to students and staff. 

For the latest updates on construction, approved bids, and project timelines, visit the referendum website at spfk12.org/our-district/referendum-updates or email future@spfk12.org.