MODERNIZING the MIDDLE SCHOOL
For years, it has been known that the large-scale renovation that George W. White needs cannot be paid for from the annual operating budget.
The building’s infrastructure continues to age.
Its current space is not big enough for the projected increase in student enrollment.
Repairs require continual attention.
A Plan to Renew GW
Hillsdale's middle school faces many constraints on a daily basis:
Lack of instructional spaces appropriate for 21st century learning experiences.
Every science lab is dated and needs updates; there is no dedicated STEM space.
Chorus classes currently use a small instruction space behind the stage.
The TV Production studio classroom is among the smallest and needs modern renovations.
Inefficient heating and electrical mechanical systems.
Antiquated restrooms, which don't meet accessibility standards often have sink, stall, and urinal closings for disrepair.
All classroom periods are filled, which leads to scheduling struggles.
A cafeteria that is not built to serve 500-plus students.
Patchwork fixes drain resources. GW needs a long-term solution.
A new look for old George G. White Middle School
This concept drawing shows:
Improved security at a more defined main entrance that has no-step access
More efficient windows and roofing replacements to stop leaks
Reconfigured frontage along Magnolia Avenue with 30-35 additional parking spaces
It also includes:
A new, two-story wing with six classrooms to provide more instructional space
Complete replacement of old, failing HVAC systems
Restrooms that work properly and meet accessibility standards
Rebuilt Cafetorium
Updated science labs, ceilings, flooring, walls, electrical systems and more
Hearing Our Community
Hillsdale Public Schools conducted a comprehensive, wide outreach to community members to hear feedback and determine the best path to solve the district’s needs.
Four “Referendum Options Considerations” meetings were held between June 2023 and January 2024 that granted the opportunity for an open discussion between the Hillsdale Board of Education, parents, Hillsdale residents and the Borough of Hillsdale Business Administrator.
These meetings were a collaborative effort, with district administrators presenting and modifying options in real-time to gather guiding principles. These guiding principles from the community leaned on saving GW, maximizing state aid, and lowering the tax impact.
After the final meeting in January, the district worked with professional experts to develop the preliminary plans based on what the Hillsdale community determined to be the deciding factors.
To learn more, explore slide presentations and recordings.
Meeting #1 – June 1
Meeting #2 – October 5
Meeting #3 – November 1
Meeting #4 – January 11