Our communities spoke. We listened.
Our communities spoke. We listened.
Embedded Files
The Hopewell Valley Regional School District is moving toward a Nov. 4 bond referendum to address increasingly critical building needs.
The revised proposal incorporates community feedback we heard after voters rejected the September 2024 bond referendum. Our open dialogue led to a new plan that focuses on expanding instructional spaces as enrollment grows and ensuring those spaces are safe, comfortable and conducive to today’s learning needs.
We are confident that this practical, responsive proposal would prepare our schools for a bright future.
WHAT'S DIFFERENT?
WHAT'S DIFFERENT?
The revised proposal exclusively addresses repairs, system upgrades and expansions and renovations of instructional space.
Some projects were removed, and others were added as we carefully re-evaluated long-term needs for the safe and efficient operation of our schools.
We also now have a $16.1 million commitment from Hopewell Township for the Bear Tavern expansion. The funds are tied to a PILOT agreement and will not be available until pending litigation is resolved. The Township’s pledge came about through ongoing outreach and collaboration to address students’ needs.
What's new?
Renovations at Toll Gate Grammar School to create a larger nurse’s suite with an accessible bathroom; add a physical education office with a student bathroom; and convert the existing nurse’s suite to a small-group instruction room
Additional HVAC work at Bear Tavern, Hopewell Elementary and Toll Gate
Steam boiler replacement and conversion to hot-water heat at Toll Gate
What's out?
Turf fields behind Timberlane
Concession/restroom building at the high school
HVAC replacement at Toll Gate primary classroom wing (being addressed outside of the referendum)
Although these projects would have benefitted our students and community, the district streamlined the bond referendum to address the most urgent building needs.
WHAT'S NEXT?
WHAT'S NEXT?
The Board of Education is taking steps toward including the bond referendum on the Nov. 4 general election ballot.
This target vote date sets a timeline to submit revised project proposals for state review, receive approval from the NJ Department of Education, and inform our communities about the new plan and cost impact.
Board members are discussing the structure of the ballot question or questions. The format will depend on several factors, including:
The timing of PILOT funding that is promised by Hopewell Township, but currently unavailable because of litigation
The amount of state aid eligibility for proposed projects
The need to balance student needs with our responsibility to taxpayers
The district will offer multiple opportunities for voters to learn about the revised referendum and ask questions.
This website will be the primary hub of information and will be updated throughout the process.
Page updated
Report abuse