The Hopewell Valley Regional Board of Education unanimously passed a resolution on May 19 reaffirming the district’s commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA), declaring district schools to be safe spaces free from discrimination, harassment, and bullying.
Board President Anita Williams Galiano read the resolution aloud before the vote, stating that the district “is a place for students to learn, to thrive, and to seek assistance, information and support free of harassment, intimidation, discrimination, and bullying,” and affirming the district’s responsibility to protect students and families “to the greatest extent possible.” The resolution passed without opposition following brief remarks and applause from the audience.
Board member Dhruv Kapadia, who helped draft the resolution, delivered personal remarks after the vote. Speaking about his family’s immigrant background and recent immigration enforcement actions in the region, Kapadia called the resolution a necessary reaffirmation of district values.
“This resolution is not symbolic,” he said. “It is a reaffirmation of our district’s commitment to stand firm in the face of cruelty and discrimination. It’s a promise that our schools will remain safe, equitable, inclusive, and accessible to all students, regardless of where they come from, what they look like, how they identify, or what languages they speak at home.”
The board’s passage of the resolution comes amid growing national scrutiny of diversity, equity, and inclusion policies in public schools. Earlier this spring, the U.S. Department of Education under President Donald Trump issued a directive threatening to withhold federal funding from states and districts that fail to comply with the administration’s interpretation of civil rights laws—an interpretation widely viewed as seeking to dismantle DEIA programs. The move has raised concerns among New Jersey educators and school leaders who rely on federal dollars, including funding for low-income and special education students.
In West Windsor-Plainsboro, the school board unanimously passed its own DEIA resolution in March, affirming its commitment despite the risk of federal funding cuts. Legal experts, including school board attorneys representing many New Jersey districts, have described the federal directive as legally questionable and potentially unenforceable.
The resolution’s passage coincided with the approval of the district’s 2025–2028 Comprehensive Equity Plan, which outlines strategies to ensure equitable access to education and compliance with state and federal anti-discrimination law. The plan includes provisions for inclusive curriculum, staff training, and systems of accountability.
Green Week Recap
Earlier in the meeting, students from all six district schools delivered presentations highlighting activities from this year’s Green Week, held April 21–26. The 2025 theme, “Hope is a practice,” guided school-based and community events centered on environmental sustainability and student-led action.
At Bear Tavern Elementary, students participated in outdoor learning activities. Hopewell Elementary students engaged in courtyard cleanup, recycling efforts, and a walk/bike to school day. Stony Brook Elementary organized waste-reduction challenges, while Toll Gate Grammar School students hosted birthday-themed environmental events. Timberlane Middle School and Hopewell Valley Central High School also participated with projects ranging from walk-and-bike campaigns to awareness outreach and school beautification. Oak trees were planted at all schools this year.
The Green Week effort was coordinated by student green teams, faculty advisors, and the district’s Climate Action Committee, with support from all HVRSD principals.
Touring Timberlane to See Building Issues
Before the board meeting, Thomas Quinn, Director of Facilities, led a tour of Timberlane Middle School to highlight infrastructure issues contributing to the district’s pending referendum proposal. Among the problems discussed were widespread HVAC failures, roof leaks, and aging equipment with no replacement parts available. Quinn noted that crews have had to excavate interior hallways to repair collapsing pipes over the past couple of years, and that the auxiliary gym is the only space in the district still lacking air conditioning. Many of the system failures are due to original infrastructure dating back to the 1960s.
Also during the meeting, the district honored 19 retiring staff members, representing a combined 490 years of service. Each retiree was recognized individually and presented with a certificate and gift.
The next regular meeting of the board is scheduled for June 16 at the district office. Originally this meeting was planned for the high school, but a public tour of Hopewell Valley Central High School is being planned for September, providing an opportunity for the community to view facility conditions at that building ahead of a possible referendum vote in November.
