The following is a message from Hopewell Valley Regional School District:
Dear Hopewell Valley School Community,
The Hopewell Valley Regional School District has worked hard to provide an exceptional education to each and every student since the district first consolidated in 1894. As we have grown, we have responded to the changing needs of our community. Today, we have two buildings that are 90 years old and our middle and high schools are 50 and 60 years old, respectively. Despite regular maintenance, these buildings need work that is more efficiently accomplished outside our normal operating budget. In addition, our buildings require updates to provide learning environments and opportunities that are essential to prepare all students for the challenges of work, life, and citizenship in the 21st century and beyond.
On September 27, 2016 the Hopewell Valley community will be asked to vote on a referendum to maintain and improve our facilities. In preparation for the referendum, the Hopewell Valley Board of Education spent three years completing a comprehensive review of all district facilities. Of the $60 million in justified district facility projects, $35.8 million were identified as immediate needs including roofs, windows, safety, security, ADA accessibility, and HVAC. The majority of these projects are eligible for up to 40% in debt service rebates from the State of New Jersey. In addition to State rebates, favorable interest rates and the retirement of our existing debt in the next few years, make this an opportune time for a referendum. Finally, taking a proactive approach toward needed repairs and updates enables us to avoid expensive renovations in the future.
Complete details about the September 27 referendum are available here: HVRSD Referendum. Learn more by viewing the informational video, reviewing the website presentations, attending Back-To-School nights, or by joining me at one of the sessions listed below. Please forward additional inquiries to [email protected].
Referendum Information Sessions:
Date and Time:
- (September 6 – 9:00 AM – before date of article publication)
- September 13 – 9:00 AM
- September 13 – 7:00 PM
- September 26 – 9:00 AM
Location of meetings: Board of Education Offices, 425 S Main Street, Pennington, NJ
Dates to Remember for September Special School Elections:
- September 6: Voter Registration Deadline
- September 20: Deadline to apply for a Mail-In Ballot by Mail
- September 26: Deadline for In-Person Mail-In Ballot Applications (up to 3:00 p.m. the Monday before the election)
Click Here For A Vote By Mail Ballot Click Here For A Voter Registration Application
Please consider supporting these important projects in order to maintain and improve our facilities that will ultimately provide our students with a better and more conducive learning environment.
Sincerely,
Thomas A. Smith Ed.D.
Superintendent of Schools
