To the Editor:
The Hopewell Valley Regional School District was one of the primary reasons our family moved to the area more than a decade ago. And never for a moment have we been anything but thrilled with our decision throughout our seven years at Hopewell Elementary School and going on our third year at Timberlane Middle School. Our HVRSD educators and staff are among the best in the state, and we see that each and every day throughout our school district.
As a member of our community, I want our school district to continue to thrive. A thriving school district requires that our students can learn and our educators can teach in the safest possible settings. That’s why I believe we have a unique opportunity on November 4 to ensure our school district’s physical footprint remains safe and accessible for current and future students, families, and teachers.
The reasons for supporting the referendum are numerous and well-established.
- Enrollment is growing: Bear Tavern finished the 2023-24 school year with 437 students and ended 2024-25 with 482 students – an enrollment increase that filled two classrooms. This already far exceeds the projections of a 2022 demographic study of our district. At that time, the study projected 457 students at Bear Tavern in 2024-25 under a “high growth” scenario.
- Growth from new and existing housing is one factor in the urgency for more space. Evolving educational needs is another. The Bear Tavern and Toll Gate building additions would include space for small-group instruction so students can get the help or enrichment they need. Outdated DOE capacity models do not account for the flexible space required for small-group instruction and support services that are provided in our schools today.
- Significant portions of roofing no longer have warranties or have warranties that will expire next year. The referendum includes replacement roofing so our students can continue to learn in classrooms, libraries, and other spaces without persistent and disruptive leaks.
- Many of our elementary students continue to learn in temporary trailers that do not satisfy the safety needs of our youngest learners. Expanding building space to accommodate growth and move students out of the modular learning environments is a priority of the referendum.
- Many of our classrooms are too hot in the winter and too cold in the summer. The referendum proposes improving the efficiency and function of our cooling and heating systems.
Perhaps most notably, our school district can bring home $20.2 million in state aid toward much-needed building improvements and expansions if voters approve the referendum. Our school district can only access this funding with voter approval. A successful referendum will simultaneously serve the best interest of our students and educators while reducing the share of these improvements borne by our local taxpayers.
The November 4 referendum is our best opportunity to address the long-term safety, security, and space needs of our students and educators.
Sincerely,
John Slotman
John Slotman is a member of the Hopewell Valley Regional Board of Education. However, this commentary was written in his capacity as a private citizen, and not in his capacity as a board member. Further, this commentary was not authorized by or written on behalf of the Hopewell Valley Regional Board of Education and solely represents his personal opinions.
