Communication

October 3, 2026

Dear Hillsdale Families:

We hope this message finds you well as October begins. We would like to extend our sincere gratitude to our students and parents for their support and flexibility throughout the construction process. Additionally, a special thank you to our Board of Education members—Mr. Donatello, Mr. Sileo, Mr. Kenduck, and Mrs. Puerta—for their continued dedication to our children.

Please see below for the latest update on the exciting progress taking place at the George G. White Middle School project.

Framing the Future

Inside the existing structure, interior progress on the George G. White Middle School project is moving forward at an impressive pace. A recent milestone is the installation of new, modern windows across the building, which will significantly improve natural lighting, insulation, and overall energy efficiency while maintaining the traditional "schoolhouse look” of the building. Moreover, mechanical trades are hard at work behind the scenes, completing the rough-in of electrical wiring and plumbing infrastructure throughout the facility. At the same time, carpentry crews are actively framing the interior walls. With framing, electrical, and plumbing prep work coming together, the team is positioning the project for the next major milestone, which is installation of sheetrock across all rooms.

Shaping Up 

Concrete block work for the new addition is nearing completion, and steel decking has been successfully installed to support the next stages of construction. Outside, underground site work at the corner of Magnolia and Hillsdale Avenue is also nearly finished, with utility and site infrastructure prep progressing steadily. Additionally, the underground site work located directly in front of the school along Magnolia Avenue is approaching completion, setting the stage for smoother access and the next phases of exterior development.

Looking Ahead

Looking ahead, we anticipate roofing work for both the new construction areas and the existing gymnasium to begin in late October and carry into November. This will also include the installation of new energy-efficient roof top HVAC units that will heat and cool the building. Roofing on the main three-story structure will follow shortly after, with the goal of completing the enclosure before winter weather sets in. Weatherproofing the building before the cold hits is an important milestone, as it will allow interior finishing work to proceed without interruption—paving the way for components like sheetrock installation, unit ventilator setup, and casework fitting to progress.

Over the next several weeks, the installation of both exterior and interior switchgear will begin. This work will allow us to successfully tie in the new electrical service, providing expanded capacity required for the school's modern systems. Upgrading and energizing the electrical system ensures that the facility’s power needs are met safely, reliably, and efficiently for the long term. 

Behind the scenes, extensive coordination meetings are currently underway to align the operational and technical details for the building's final features. Project leaders, district staff, and contractors are actively collaborating on plans for low-voltage wiring, interior furniture finishes, security infrastructure, phone systems, classroom technology, door hardware and more. This coordination ensures that every component—from access control and technology integration to interior layout and hardware specifications—functions cohesively. Proactively mapping out these details now allows for seamless installation and smooth execution as interior spaces near completion.

Timeline

As of this writing of this email, our project remains both on schedule and within budget. As a direct result of this steady progress, we are simultaneously beginning to plan our Summer 2027 transition out of the modular classrooms and back into the main George G. White Middle School building—which will officially include relocating our 5th-grade students back to the middle school facility. We are starting to prepare now for what we expect to be a “sprint to the finish line” this summer.

Our current success on this project is a direct result of strong teamwork, constant communication, and the ability to make decisive choices right when challenges arise. By keeping our construction team aligned every step of the way, we swiftly address complex job-site needs without losing momentum. This real-time collaboration ensures that our project is handled with precision and care.

Sincerely,

Robert Lombardy Jr., Ed.S.
Superintendent of Schools
Hillsdale Public Schools

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August 1, 2026

Dear Hillsdale Community -

We hope this note finds everyone well and that our entire community is enjoying a wonderful summer as August begins. Please see below for our latest update on the exciting progress taking place at the George G. White Middle School project. 

Progress, Progress, Progress . . .
Hillsdale Board of Education members past and present joined together in a “beam signing” ceremony to recognize the  continued progress of the George G. White Middle School renovations and addition. This event served as a celebration for our current and past board members for their tireless work and dedication to our district's growth. Each individual inked their name onto one of the final pieces of steel for the new structure. Pictured from left to right: Sacha Pouliot(School Business Admin), Nicole Klas (Former Trustee), Shane Svorec (Former Trustee), Sal Sileo (Trustee), Justin Saxon (BOE VP), Kevin Donatello (BOE President, Kathleen Puerta (Trustee), Michael Kenduck (Trustee), Kathleen O’Flynn (Former Trustee), Leta Gordon (Former Trustee), Robert Lombardy (Superintendent), and Jaclyn Derwin (Principal). Their combined efforts ensure that our community celebrates not just a building milestone, but a bright future for Hillsdale's students.

Steel In Place
The construction team is placing the remaining structural steel, joists, and decking, allowing them to keep making progress in erecting the framework and setting the joists. The installation of the steel decking is underway while carefully aligning, plumbing, and squaring the entire frame to make sure everything is perfectly in place. 

Use of the George G White Gymnasium
As we look toward September, we are actively preparing the George G. White Middle School gymnasium to serve our students every single day. The space is currently being cleaned and readied to host daily student lunches, as well as physical education classes when the weather keeps us indoors. We are also thrilled that the gym will be fully available for our extracurricular sports programs as the school year opens. Because the gym has been separated from the existing building, essential plumbing and electrical work will continue behind the scenes right up to the start of the school year and beyond to fully support the space. The aesthetic renovations to this space will not take place until Summer 2027.

Inside the 3-Story Original  Structure
The demolition phase of the classrooms, halls, bathrooms, and boiler room is now finished, marking a huge step forward for the project. Crews are currently busy removing the old windows, stripping away obsolete low-voltage wiring, and pushing ahead with the electrical rough-ins and core drilling to get the building's infrastructure up to speed. As we peel back the layers of the older structure, we have uncovered some underlying conditions with the wall and floor finishes - which is typical for a building that is over 100 years old - that will require a bit of additional attention to get them perfect. Taking the time to properly address these surfaces now ensures the final building will look absolutely beautiful and stand strong for years to come. Best of all, these minor adjustments have not changed our overall timeline, and we continue to work within our budget. 

Thank You

The entire team extends their sincere gratitude to the Board of Education  for their unwavering support. We are equally thankful to the community, whose continued desire for progress serves as a driving force behind our efforts. Together, your partnership and shared vision allow us to successfully transform this historic building into a modernized space we will all be proud of. 

Sincerely,

Robert Lombardy Jr., Ed.S.
Superintendent of Schools
Hillsdale Public Schools

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June 16, 2026

Dear Hillsdale Families:

As the academic year draws to a close, we want to extend our heartfelt gratitude to our Hillsdale families for your continued support and invaluable partnership. Together, we have witnessed the continued  growth and success of the children, making this a truly memorable and rewarding year. We remain dedicated to the successful revitalization of George G. White Middle School and ensuring this project serves our students for decades to come. Kindly see below for our latest project updates as June continues to progress.

Selective Demolition
The selective demolition phase at George G. White Middle School is now nearing completion, marking a major milestone in our revitalization project. Crews are efficiently wrapping up this initial stage to safely prepare the site for the upcoming structural improvements. 

Tax Impact
Recently, Mayor Sheinfield shared an update regarding the tax levy for Hillsdale's four taxing entities. In his communication, he noted an estimated tax levy of approximately $909 on the average assessed home in Hillsdale. This levy is the result of the annual operating costs required to run the school district and the voter-approved bond referendum passed in September 2024 for the renovations and additions at George G. White Middle School. Within that $909 figure, approximately $650 is allocated to debt service on the $62.4 million in bonds designated to fund the modernization and expansion of the middle school property. Debt service is now included in the tax levy for the remaining life of the bond. 

Site Work
Site work crews are diligently excavating the area in front of the George G White building to install new storm drains and underground drainage systems. This infrastructure work will ensure proper water management and long-term environmental safety for the campus. We are making excellent progress in this area.

Structural Steel
With the footings and foundations now securely in place the structural steel for the new construction areas is scheduled to arrive on-site within the next few weeks. Once it arrives, crews will immediately begin erecting the framework, bringing us one step closer to seeing our new areas of the campus take shape.  

Electric and Plumbing
Rough-in work is currently moving forward beneath the surface at George G. White Middle School campus. Crews are actively installing the underground electrical conduits and plumbing lines to establish the building's core utilities. Completing this critical utility work now ensures that all foundational systems are safely integrated before we begin pouring the interior and exterior concrete slabs. 

Working with an older building naturally presents some challenges as we connect modern upgrades to the existing infrastructure. Our team of architects, engineers, and construction personnel are working closely with the District to carefully manage unexpected issues related to the age of the structure, which require daily attention to resolve correctly. We are staying focused on delivering a modernized building within our budget and timeline. While addressing these older components of the building takes patience, ensuring the safety and quality of the school remains our top priority. 

On behalf of our Board of Education we continue to express our gratitude to the Hillsdale community for your unwavering patience and support as we navigate this complex revitalization process. Your continued encouragement and trust inspire us daily as we work through every challenge to build the exceptional school our students deserve.

Sincerely,

Robert Lombardy Jr., Ed.S.
Superintendent of Schools
Hillsdale Public Schools

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February 7, 2026

Dear Hillsdale Community:

We hope this note finds you well among the frigid winter experience of 2026. The Hillsdale Board of Education enters

February with deep gratitude for our incredible community. Supported by the leadership of Mr. Kevin Donatello, Mr. Justin

Saxon, Mr. Michael Kenduck, Mr. Sal Sileo, and Mrs. Kathleen Puerta,our members continue to prioritize the growth, safety,

and well-being of our students and the entire school community.

The Transformation Begins

It has been a busy stretch on-site as the structural separation of the George G. White multipurpose room from the

gymnasium and the main three-story building was successfully completed over the past two weeks. This delicate phase of

the project required precision to isolate the older sections from the multi-purpose room structure without compromising the

integrity of the existing sections of the building that will remain. With that phase now behind us, the wrecking of the

multipurpose room is well underway, clearing the footprint to make room for a modern multipurpose room facility, and two

additional classrooms that will better serve the student body. We anticipate the multi-purpose room will be fully demolished

on or around February 11, 2026. Once this area of the structure is down a few areas in need of “surgical” demolition will

follow, to prepare for the new build. Then, the debris on site will be organized and discarded or recycled appropriately and

site preparation will begin so the foundations can be poured.

Asbestos Abatement- Phase 2 of 3 Beginning

Phase 2 of our abatement project is now in motion. This phase covers the main three-story structure—including our

classrooms and offices—with prep work having kicked off on February 2, 2026. We expect this critical work to span 8-10

weeks, clearing the way for the demolition and renovation crews to follow. Unfortunately, frigid temperatures have

presented some challenges as the building's ailing HVAC system has struggled with the cold, leading to pipe leaks that

could complicate and slow the abatement process. To try and protect our timeline, we are investigating the use of

temporary heat to stabilize the building's interior. As a reminder, following this, Phase 3 will tackle the boiler room in late

spring.

The Foundation of Frustration

The George White Middle School project is currently targeting a July 2027 completion. While we are slowly making

progress, the initial March 2025 delays from our local approvals forced a transition to State DCA oversight, adding

significant time and cost. As with any large-scale public project, we are navigating the realities of logistical shifts and

schedule delays. While we move forward on our adjusted schedule, we continue to look for ways to potentially recover time

lost due to our initial delay, if and where it is possible.

Thank you for your continued support on this initiative. Together, we are delivering one of Hillsdale’s most significant

projects, creating a meaningful and lasting impact for generations of learners to come.

Sincerely,

Robert Lombardy Jr., Ed.S.

Superintendent of Schools

Hillsdale Public Schools

December 20, 2025

Dear Hillsdale Community:

As we look forward to the arrival of 2026, the Hillsdale Board of Education extends its deepest gratitude to our students, staff, families and overall community. Led by Mr. Justin Saxon, Mr. Kevin Donatello, Mr. Michael Kenduck, Mr. Sal Sileo, and Mrs. Kathleen Puerta we are confident 2026 will be another wonderful year. We wish everyone health and happiness as the December recess approaches.

Final Round of Bonding- Complete
The Hillsdale Board of Education successfully issued its second round of school bonds, totaling $47.359 million, which were assigned an 'AA' rating by S&P Global Ratings, reflecting the district's careful financial management. This favorable rating allowed the district to secure a competitive interest rate for the bonds at 3.78% controlling the borrowing cost for the community. The bonds officially closed on December 4, 2025. The proceeds of this issuance are designated to fund the modernization and expansion of the George G. White Middle School property, including renovations and a new wing, which were approved by voters to address infrastructure needs.

Demolition Work Beginning
The modernization and expansion of the George G. White Middle School campus is moving into the demolition phase, following crucial preparatory work completed this week. The electrical contractors and plumbers completed their essential "safe-offs," which involves de-energizing utilities and securing plumbing lines to ensure safety for the upcoming heavy construction. This step paves the way for the arrival of demolition personnel and equipment, which are expected on site on December 22nd. The initial work will focus on hand demolition in specific areas inside the existing building. This precise interior work will quickly be followed by the larger-scale wrecking of the multi-purpose room only, which is expected to be a key focal point of the external demolition. The entire demolition process is currently projected to take approximately four weeks to complete, after which the site will be prepared for the construction of the new components of the project.

A Delay to Remember
The George White Middle School project experienced a significant delay at the onset of our work in March 2025. This is a reality that we must keep in perspective as the project proceeds. This setback was attributed to a multi-month hold-up caused by the local construction code official at the time, and the unexpected reluctance to review and approve the plans for the modular classrooms and middle school renovations. This forced the District to utilize the State Department of Community Affairs for review of the modular campus and the main building with the addition at considerable extra cost and considerable extra time. This experience put us on an alternate timeline. Accompanying this delay are the cost escalations and inflation in construction materials that are associated with any significant construction project. These challenges underscore the complex and unpredictable nature of large-scale public works projects, confirming that the initial timelines are often fluid. Our target completion date remains July 2027.

Access to the Middle School Gymnasium
Our March 2025 delay and resulting alternate timeline have prohibited our use of the gymnasium to date. This was not part of our original plan, however, we have made alternate arrangements for student lunch, physical education class and middle school basketball. The cooperation of our students, families and staff is exemplary and we are thankful. At this time we are anticipating access to the gymnasium on or about March 2, 2026.

Sincerely,

Robert Lombardy Jr., Ed.S.
Superintendent of Schools
Hillsdale Public Schools

September 27, 2025

Dear Hillsdale Community:

The Hillsdale Public School’s family would like to extend our sincere appreciation to the Board of Education members for their instrumental role in the successful referendum project inclusive of the establishment of the modular campus. Mr. Justin Saxon, Mr. Kevin Donatello, Mr. Michael Kenduck, Mr. Sal Sileo, and Mrs. Kathleen Puerta demonstrated exemplary commitment and care, and we are grateful for their efforts in bringing this vital project to fruition for the Hillsdale

community.

With the school year and our modular campus up and running successfully, kindly allow the below to serve as an update on our continued progress. Modular Campus

This academic year has begun with remarkable success on our new modular campus. The thoughtful design of this temporary learning environment has proven to be a tremendous asset for both our students and staff. The clustered classrooms, connected by secure walkways, have successfully replicated the feel of a traditional school building, fostering a sense of community and ease of movement. For our students, the campus offers a dynamic and focused space for learning, while our dedicated staff have the resources they need to continue providing a high-quality education without disruption.

Initial Round of Bonding

The Hillsdale Public School District's commitment to modernizing its facilities took a significant step forward with the successful closing of its initial round of bonding in December 2024. This crucial financial milestone, following the voter-approved referendum, secured the necessary capital to begin the long-anticipated renovation and expansion of George G. White Middle School. The district is pleased to report a favorable "AA" bond rating, which enabled access to funding at a lower interest rate than initially projected.

Final Round of Bonding

The Hillsdale Public School District is scheduled to complete its second and final round of bonding in late November 2025. This critical step will secure the remaining capital needed to fully fund the voter approved George G. White Middle School renovation and expansion project.

Asbestos Abatement at George G White Middle School

This initial step in our project is being completed in three distinct phases to support continued progress in the upcoming construction work while ensuring our plan is safe and efficient. The first phase began on September 7th, 2025 in the main multipurpose room, where crews continue to work in this area. Following the completion of this area, and the onboarding of our general contractor this room will be demolished. The abatement will move to the main three-story building, which includes classrooms and building offices. The final phase will focus on the boiler room, addressing the last remaining area of concern. This structured approach allows us to methodically and safely prepare our school for the upcoming renovations, allowing the renovation and addition work to begin.

General Construction Bid

The selection of the General Contractor for the Hillsdale Public Schools referendum project was executed systematically and swiftly, while fully adhering to the New Jersey Public School Contracts Law. Following the bid opening on September 24, 2025, which featured a robust submission of competitive documents from ten qualified contractors, the Board of Education approved the firm determined to be the lowest responsible bidder on September 26th, 2025. This swift action was both necessary and imperative to facilitate immediate contractor mobilization, as the project is now operating under an amended schedule to mitigate the delays incurred at the onset of local submission in Spring 2025. By awarding this critical contract efficiently and compliantly, the Board demonstrated its commitment to both fiscal responsibility and the timely delivery of the George G. White Middle School modernization.

General Construction Work

General construction work is anticipated to begin in November 2025 with the strategic demolition of the current George G. White multi-purpose room, which includes the cafetorium and stage area, as this space requires complete rebuilding and modernization. While this demolition and subsequent reconstruction phase is underway, the internal renovation work in the main three-story building and addition of a two story wing will also commence. This carefully planned phasing is designed to maximize efficiency during our tight construction timeline. The work on the main academic core—including HVAC replacement, windows, doors roofing and classroom overhauls are planned to progress steadily.

Thank you for your continued support throughout this process. We are all part of one of the most transformative projects Hillsdale has seen in many years that will forever impact the students of today and the future for years to come.

Sincerely,

Robert Lombardy Jr., Ed.S.

Superintendent of Schools

Hillsdale Public Schools