In a special election on Tuesday, September 17, the Hopewell Valley Regional School District’s bond referendum was decisively rejected, with nearly 69% of voters casting “No” ballots. Of the 2,877 residents who showed up to the Pennington Fire House (and 1,800 who voted by mail), 3,204 voted against the referendum, while 1,473 voted in favor — a voter turnout of nearly 24%.
The bond referendum aimed to fund a range of facility updates and improvements across the district. These included expanding instructional space at two elementary schools, replacing aging infrastructure such as leaky roofs and inefficient HVAC systems, upgrading safety features to meet modern standards, and addressing critical needs like a new sewer pumping station, backup wells, and accessible restrooms. The plan also included an extensive astroturf installation at the District’s athletic fields.
At last week’s Town Hall, school board member Alex Reznik, speaking on behalf of the HVRSD Board of Education, acknowledged that while the referendum’s failure wouldn’t be catastrophic, it would force the District to confront some difficult decisions.
“The world will not end if the referendum does not pass,” Reznik said, “but the District will look a lot different because we will need to make some difficult decisions.”
For previous MercerMe coverage on the bond referendum, visit the articles below:
- Bond Referendum Town Hall Addresses Questions Leading Up to the Special Election
- Hopewell Valley Prepares for $87.5 Million School Upgrade Vote
- Pennington Mayor Calls Out Hopewell Township for Shifting School Tax Burden to Boroughs
- Hopewell Township Responds to Pennington Mayor’s Concerns Over School Funding
- Former Mayors Vote No on the School Referendum on September 17th
