The Hopewell Valley Regional Board of Education did not take formal action on a proposed November referendum at its July 21 meeting, as the district is still awaiting preliminary eligibility cost letters from the New Jersey Department of Education.
“We are still awaiting our preliminary eligibility costs from the New Jersey Department of Ed,” said Superintendent Dr. Rosetta Treece. “That is part of the process that we must go through before we can move forward with bringing to the board a full vote regarding the referendum.”
The vote is now expected at the board’s next public meeting, which has been rescheduled for Monday, August 11.
Referendum Communications Begin
In preparation for the anticipated vote and public engagement, district officials distributed “Referendum Communication” packets to board members. Each includes printed materials and a red-and-white pin reading “Ask Me About the Referendum.”
“You’ll see these buttons — ‘Ask Me About the Referendum’ — that will be around and we can give you information about the referendum,” Treece said. “The Referendum Communications Committee — those are folks in the community who have agreed to help us get the word out about the referendum and why it’s important.”
The committee’s next meeting is scheduled for Thursday, July 24 at 5:30 p.m. via Zoom. “However, if you are on that committee, you do need to come here and pick up your packet,” Treece said. Packets are available at the district office.
Website and Feedback from the Public
District leaders also reminded the public about an informational website for the referendum which can be found from the district’s main page.
Luis Martinez, a Hopewell Township resident and member of the Referendum Communications Committee, spoke during public comment to share suggestions based on reviewing referendum sites from other districts.
“I think that, you know, coming to this election year, there are several things that I have seen from other townships that they do differently,” Martinez said. He recommended displaying the tax impact “clear right up front,” adding a tax calculator, including school-by-school visual breakdowns, and tailoring resources for groups like seniors, renters, and business owners.
Martinez also encouraged the district to post “top questions from the community” and emphasize visual communication.
Treece welcomed the ideas. “Yes, bring all of that to the meeting,” she said. “We haven’t put those numbers out yet because we don’t have them. But, yes, I love the idea of having it right there. I love the idea of the calculator… That would be wonderful.”
Community members still interested in joining the committee can email Dr. Treece to be added to the distribution list.
Universal Pre-K Plans Paused for Now
During the meeting, Director of Pupil Services Paulette DiNardo shared that the district will not pursue a universal preschool expansion grant for the 2025–26 school year due to high local cost share requirements. Under the cost-sharing model, HVRSD would be responsible for approximately $600,000 to support full-day preschool classes.
In informational meetings about the process DiNardo said that the district was told that they’d have to go to the tax levy in order to get the funding necessary for their share of the grant.
She added, “We do feel there’s a need… but we can do it in our own time and do it thoughtfully.” She said the district will continue exploring ways to expand preschool access in the future.
State Budget Delivers Playground Win
Board member Dhruv Kapadia announced to the board that the district secured $125,000 in state funding for a new ADA-accessible playground at Bear Tavern Elementary School, marking the first time HVRSD has received a direct appropriation in the New Jersey state budget.
“This isn’t just a win for our students with disabilities,” Kapadia said. “It’s a win for everyone—every family that believes public schools should reflect the values of equity, access, and dignity.”
The grant will fund half of the project cost, with the remainder supported by the district and philanthropic partners, including the First State School Foundation.
Kapadia praised Senator Shirley Turner and other lawmakers for their support and called the outcome a model of collaborative advocacy. “This initiative shows that we are doing everything in our power to bring in additional dollars for our youngest learners,” he said.
