Members of the Haddonfield community, local officials, school leaders, and project partners gathered at Elizabeth Haddon Elementary School to commemorate the groundbreaking of a district-wide improvement effort that includes projects for all five district schools. The ceremony signaled the start of construction efforts designed to enhance academic facilities, support the launch of full-day kindergarten, and create more inclusive and community-centered spaces across the district.
With strong backing from the community, Haddonfield voters approved a $46.7 million bond referendum on December 10, 2024, launching one of the most transformative school improvement efforts in the district’s history. This initiative reflects a collective commitment to educational excellence and directly responds to critical needs, including rising enrollment, aging infrastructure, and the long-awaited introduction of full-day kindergarten.
This milestone was the result of a careful and collaborative planning process that began with pre-referendum visioning sessions in the summer of 2022. The Haddonfield Board of Education partnered with LAN Associates to host these sessions, bringing together students, educators, parents, and local residents to discuss and shape the future of the district’s educational spaces. Through real-time polling and interactive exercises, participants shared aspirations and challenges, directly shaping the scope of the projects that just broke ground. The data and ideas collected were critical in building a referendum plan that truly reflected the priorities and values of the Haddonfield community.
“LAN has worked on school improvement projects across the region, but the scale and community-driven spirit of this initiative make it especially memorable,” said Ron Schwenke, Project Executive at LAN Associates. “What’s most rewarding is knowing that these changes, including new curriculum amenities, new athletic facilities, and improved accessibility, will have a real, everyday impact on the lives of Haddonfield students and families.”
The scope of the referendum-funded improvements extends across the entire Haddonfield School District and reflects a comprehensive plan to modernize facilities, address enrollment growth, and enrich the student experience. Key components include major additions at both Elizabeth Haddon and J.F. Tatem Elementary Schools, which will expand classroom capacity. A new gymnasium building will be constructed to support the district’s physical education program and after-hours community recreation, creating a valuable shared resource for residents.
In addition to new construction, the project will deliver interior renovations and upgrades to specialty curriculum spaces, including world language, science, and the arts. Enhancements to the district’s athletic facilities will allow for earlier practice scheduling, supporting a healthier school-life balance for students and families. District-wide ADA accessibility upgrades are also planned, most notably at the Haddonfield Memorial High School auditorium, stadium, and E. Haddon Elementary, ensuring that school spaces are welcoming and accessible to all. Together, these projects represent a strategic and community-driven reinvestment in the future of Haddonfield’s public education system.
Construction will proceed in phases, with estimated completion of the full scope of work anticipated in 2028.
