To the Editor:
On November 4, Hopewell Valley voters will consider a bond referendum with two questions.
Together, these questions represent essential improvements that would increase the energy efficiency, safety and function of our school buildings. These questions will also provide students with the space they need now and as our enrollment continues to grow.
A website compiled by referendum opponents contains misinformation and misinterpretations. The district continues to provide extensive community communication, and has contributed op-eds, letters to the editor and answers to media questions in the interest of accuracy.
The flaw in comparing pre-pupil costs across districts
Some individuals who oppose the referendum have raised questions about per-pupil costs, asking why they are higher than in “like” districts. Per-pupil costs are influenced by many factors, including transportation, special education, staffing, and building maintenance. For example, some of our HVAC systems are older, which leads to higher repair costs and less efficiency. These factors all contribute to per-pupil expenses.
There are so many variables that it is not possible to make direct comparisons between districts. What I can say for certain is that we proudly invest in high-quality education, which drives the desirability of the communities we serve and what our families have come to expect. It’s what makes Hopewell Valley Regional School District one of the top in the state, and it is why people want to raise their families here. Housing developers recognize this and invest in this area because of it. We have a very experienced and educated staff, and our community values them as well as our wide range of academic programs and extracurricular activities offered in our schools.
We all want what is best for our children
What I believe we can agree on is that we want the best for our children. Having students in buildings with leaky roofs, failing HVAC, and heating systems and sending them to school in old trailers is not that. Nor do we want schools without basics such as a nurse’s office bathroom or a faculty bathroom. The projects outlined in Question 1 and Question 2 would ensure that our school buildings match the district’s reputation and that we continue to offer the quality education that makes us who we are.
My administrative team and I bring more than 300 years of combined experience in education. Still, we never rely solely on our experience. We regularly consult with architects, demographers, and legal and financial experts, as well as specialists in transportation and educational programming, to ensure that our decisions are well-informed and responsible. Managing schools and school finance requires both expertise and collaboration with those in the field. We encourage community members to seek accurate information and rely on verified data, as reports and state data can be complex and easy to misinterpret.
Sincerely,
Rosetta Treece
Superintendent of Schools
Hopewell Valley Regional School District
