Hillsborough Township Board of Education To Proceed with a Referendum Vote on 12/10/19
HILLSBOROUGH TOWNSHIP SCHOOLS PRESS RELEASE DATED 10/15/19
At the 10/14/2019 meeting, the nine members of the Hillsborough Township Board of Education voted unanimously to proceed with a referendum vote on December 10, 2019 for much needed capital improvements. If approved, the district will finance $35.4 million to address critical capital expenditures across the nine school buildings which are not possible to fund through the operating budget. The decision is timely as the state will contribute 40% (approximately $14 million) towards the total project cost. This funding from the state will not be available if the referendum does not pass. Additionally, the district is retiring debt from previous referenda in 2021-2022 which means that if the referendum passes, taxes will decrease by $42 for the average Hillsborough residence with a property value of $350,000.
As noted, the proceeds from the referendum would be utilized to pay for critical infrastructure and capital improvements. Unlike a previous referendum which failed this past March, Full Day Kindergarten is not linked to this referendum. Additionally there is no consideration for the building of any new school in this referendum. Projects across the nine schools include roofing, air quality (HVAC), power and lighting upgrades, exterior repairs, and security, etc. Specifics regarding the work to be done at each school can be found at www.htps.us/repair_replace_revive . Acting Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Lisa M. Antunes, stated “The quality of life for our students, staff, and the community is key and never before has it been more opportune to invest in that quality of life. The retired debt, state contribution, and low interest rates create a unique opportunity to revive a failing infrastructure.” School Business Administrator Aiman Mahmoud added “The finances on this make sense. It would be fiscally irresponsible not to take advantage of the state contributions that are above our normal share”. Various informative events are upcoming including facility tours and a full presentation to the community at the November 11 Board of Education Meeting. Questions can be submitted and meetings can be requested using the aforementioned website. Board President Judy Haas stated “I hope the community will educate itself about the facility needs of the district and reach out with additional questions. There are multiple opportunities to attend community meetings scheduled both during the day and the evening over the next 60 days. Please be sure to visit the website”.
Additionally at the 10/14/2019 meeting, the Board voted 8-0 with one abstention to appoint Dr. Kim Feltre as Acting Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum and Instruction. Dr. Feltre has served as District Science Supervisor since 2005 and concurrently supervised STEM at the middle school since 2014. In addition to her work in Hillsborough Township, Dr. Feltre serves as an adjunct professor at Rider University and Content Instruction Specialist at Princeton University.
