At the West Windsor-Plainsboro Regional School District Board of Education meeting on Oct. 17, 2023, the Board unanimously approved the purchase of approximately 28.89 acres of farmland on the West Windsor and Plainsboro border for $4,450,000; the entirety will be covered through the use of the District’s Capital Reserve funds. This tract of land, known locally as the Perrine Farm, is a former farm that has been identified as appropriate for a future school site.
With the anticipated growth of over 4,750 residential units (Referendum & Residential Development Update, presented at the Sept. 19, 2023 WW-P Board of Education meeting) in both West Windsor and Plainsboro Townships, the purchase was made to ensure that the District has adequate space available to support the needs of a school facility (building, parking, open space for fields/playgrounds, etc.). In the future, the property would be utilized to house an additional school building in order to avoid school overcrowding at the elementary level while also providing space for the ever-evolving educational requirements of our students’ diverse learning needs. This acquisition of open space aligns with the District’s commitment to provide a safe and supportive environment for students and staff so that all individuals are supported to reach their full potential.
“We recognize the importance of planning for the future needs of our community,” stated Rachel Juliana, WW-P Board of Education President. “The Perrine property will serve as a big piece of the puzzle as we plan for the District’s future.”
“Our schools and our students are a source of great pride for our communities," stated West Windsor Mayor, Hemant Marathe. “The West Windsor Township Council and I will continue to work to facilitate responsible residential growth while working in coordination with the school district as they plan for the future of WW-P.”
The District currently has one Pre-Kindergarten through grade two elementary school, three Kindergarten through grade three elementary schools, two upper elementary schools, two grades 6-8 middle schools, and two grades 9-12 high schools. Further, the district rents a former Montessori property that currently serves our post-graduate students.
In 2018, the District’s communities voted to approve $114+ million for referendum projects that included expansions of school facilities throughout the District. All referendum projects are nearly complete with a few final projects expected to be finalized by the end of 2024.
The acquisition of the Perrine Farm property now enters a review by the NJ Department of Education (NJDOE) for the finalization of the agreement. Contract finalization is anticipated in early 2024 from the NJDOE.
“The purchase of the Perrine Farm provides the school district with a tremendous opportunity to envision and ensure that the excellence demanded by our school community is upheld for future generations of students,” stated Dr. David Aderhold, Superintendent of Schools. “The Board of Education and the Administration will continue to move methodically and transparently through the purchase and future plans for this site.”