The Hopewell Valley Regional Board of Education heard impassioned public comment on May 19 from students, parents, and educators concerned about the district’s reinstatement of extracurricular activity fees and cuts to arts programs, including dance.
Much of the discussion centered on the district’s May 9 announcement that middle and high school students will be required to pay up to $300 per year per student (or $600 per family) to participate in co-curricular activities such as band, athletics, theater, robotics, and clubs. A full list of proposed fees was published alongside the announcement.
Speakers at Monday’s meeting warned that the fees, along with recent reductions in staffing for arts programming, would disproportionately impact students who rely on school activities for creative expression, social-emotional support, and college preparation.
Hopewell Valley Central High School student Kaitlin Tulli told the board that the decision to reduce dance teacher Ms. Cook to part-time status and eliminate the middle school dance program would damage a thriving program and limit opportunities for aspiring dancers. “She is the most supportive and kind teacher I have ever had,” Tulli said. “Making her a part-time teacher could jeopardize the quality of the entire program.”
Other students, including Charlotte Camilleri and Ariel Croner, spoke to the transformative role that dance had played in their middle and high school experiences, particularly for students who don’t participate in traditional athletics. Recent graduate Jack Elliott and parent Kate Elliott also urged the board to reconsider reductions to performing arts programming, pointing to the district’s award-winning reputation.
Mack Harsell, a recent graduate, and former president of Central High School’s Spectrum club, raised concerns about how activity fees could unintentionally out LGBTQ+ students to their parents. “Some students participate in clubs like Spectrum without their families knowing,” they said. “Tying participation to fees could create dangerous situations for students in unsupportive households.”
Following the comments, Superintendent Dr. Rosetta Treece emphasized that students who cannot afford fees can confidentially apply for a waiver through their school principal. She also said the district is actively reviewing which clubs fall under the new fee structure and will consider feedback from the community. “If something is a hardship, families should not hesitate to reach out,” Treece said.
Board member Dr. Alex Reznik acknowledged the frustration but urged residents to consider the bigger financial picture. “Every $100,000 we spend on something other than a staff salary is a staff member we lose,” he said, adding that the district was trying to avoid deeper cuts seen in other New Jersey districts.
In other business, the board reviewed a revised harassment, intimidation and bullying (HIB) policy, now incorporating new guidance from the state regarding coordination with law enforcement. The updated policy also includes stronger language about the use of restorative justice when appropriate and ensures board members receive sufficient time to review redacted incident reports before hearings.
The board also acknowledged student board representative Erin Lee for her final meeting. Lee, who will be attending Northwestern University, received thanks and a gift from the board.
Finally, officials announced that nominating petitions for the November 2025 Board of Education election are due to the Mercer County Clerk by July 28. Two seats are open in Hopewell Township and one in Hopewell Borough. Petitions and filing information are available from the Mercer County Clerk’s Office or the district business office. More information about becoming a candidate can be found on the NJSBA website.
