The total cost for the plan stood at $8,513,335 and would have been assisted by about $2.9 million in state aid. The burden to taxpayers would have been approximately $40-50 annually if the project had been approved.

"We’re disappointed that for the sake of 71 votes, this referendum did not pass," said Dr. Viktor Joganow, superintendent. "It was close considering the current economy and the overall difficulty this nation has been experiencing. Clearly it was a challenge to try to gather voter support but it is quite evident that a number of people did show support for it."

The capital improvements called for replacing roofs, upgrading the heating and boilers, which are over 50 years old, some replacement windows, and artificial turf and lighting for the football field.

In an effort to promote the needs, the high school administration held two public tours this year in order to promote and pitch the referendum. The first was held on June 21 had and the second was held this past September just prior to the vote. The earlier tour had a higher attendance than the one held this past month.

Joganow, business administrator Paul Gerber and Tim Platt, supervisor of buildings and grounds also appeared on the "Valley Views" program on PVTV, public access channel 77, to discuss all the details of the improvements to prospective voters and to promote upcoming tours. The segment aired nightly for several weeks during late spring.

"The aim of these tours was to bring the community in and allow them to see what needed to be done with the building’s infrastructure and other improvements," added Joganow. "What’s interesting to note is that this referendum did pass in Totowa by 63 votes but was defeated in West Paterson by only five votes, and defeated in Little Falls by 129, which is very frustrating."

Totowa residents passed the referendum 316 to 253. West Paterson was close, defeating the plan 227 to 232. Little Falls had the largest defeat margin of 252 to 381.

A sample ballot went out to voters in the three towns prior to the referendum. Gerber added that the election mailers sent previously in the past are now dissuaded by the state in order for school districts to cut down on "what they perceive to be non-essential spending of taxpayer money." Sample ballots are only allowed to be sent. 

"Now it is back to the drawing board to discuss what will be taking place as a result of this defeat. The BOE has several options they can go with as to whether or not they’ll modify the plan or consider something else, but they need to come up with a decision."

The full amount of the state aid will still be available despite the referendum not passing, according to Gerber.  The next board of education meeting will be held Tuesday, Oct. 7 at 7:30 p.m. at the high school.