When we first wrote about this round of referendum funding, we mentioned that HVRSD’s spending was out of line with other districts across the state as evidenced by the fact that HVRSD per pupil cost is the highest in Mercer County and second highest among similar sized districts in the state.
We received criticism for highlighting HVRSD’s excessive operational spending. Critics argued that by examining all spending, we risked confusing voters, since the referendum’s bond request is strictly for debt incurred for updating facilities, and is separate from the pot of money used for staffing and regular operations.
In response, our subsequent Hopewell Express commentaries focused only on the components in the referendum and associated funding.
Flash ahead to today. The election is underway and the messaging from the district is, “If the referendum fails, hard operating decisions will need to be made.” They have said that if the referendum fails, district families will experience larger class sizes and cuts to programs.
Last month, while addressing senior citizens at the Four Seasons in Pennington, Rosetta Treece, superintendent, and Bob Colavita, assistant superintendent, said that the district could cut Advance Placement courses, co-curricular activities and other academic programs.
These program expenses come from the general operating budget, and not the referendum debt or capital reserves budgets. However, the HVRSD’s own talking points have now reinforced our view that those funding sources are linked.
If HVRSD needs to cut costs, why would they begin with cuts to student and academic programs, rather than looking at other cost saving measures such as central office administration and redistricting?
HVRSD has six schools. Yet, the district employs eight individuals with the job title “principal.” Six are assigned to a school, and two are assigned to the district. The district also employs five vice principals. Four are assigned to upper schools, and one to the district.
Assuming a standard 30% in benefits, the total compensation for these unhoused district principals and VPs is $731,030 per year.
AP tests are the crown jewels when applying to college, and co-curricular classes support student physical and emotional wellness. Yet now, district leaders are discussing cutting both, but we’ve never heard mention of cutting any central admin staff.
Perhaps eliminating $700K in redundant leadership would go a long way toward paying educators and advisors who support significant classes, co-curricular sports and clubs.
At the same Four Seasons meeting, HVRSD leadership reported that some schools are at capacity and others require more space. While the district recently commissioned a demographer’s report to forecast the future, historic enrollment is factual and does not require forecasting. A review of our recent enrollment trends indicates we are growing but hardly bursting at the seams.
Yes, moving students out of trailers is important, and Hopewell Township has already committed $16 million to a Bear Tavern addition. This type of township/HVRSD agreement has precedent: Hopewell Township used PILOT money in 2014 to make room for the new football field by moving the baseball fields to behind Timberlane. We don’t need referendum taxpayer money. We need a similar 2025 formal memorandum of understanding now.
Finally, the district is implementing short term planning that includes “targeted redistricting.” They should consider inclusive, long-term planning which may uncover more creative solutions that incorporate all district facilities. For example, a better use of the admin building might be housing Pre-K classes. Many districts make school administrators more accessible by locating them throughout their schools.
There are many residents willing to work on our future enrollment challenges. Reach out to them, and they’ll volunteer for a committee similar to the 2014 Future Planning Committee.
Then, a partnership of members of all three communities in Hopewell Valley and the HVRSD worked together to find a way forward.
Until then, we still recommended voting no to the second ballot question that requests $25.8 million from taxpayers. As we’ve stated before, Q2 brings in no meaningful state rebates, the majority of Q2 projects have alternative funding sources, and in June, the BOE committed $2 million more to its already lofty capital reserve balance of $7,646,954.27.
A picture is worth a thousand words. In addition to reading this commentary, visit: teahv.org/insights and review the enrollment and salary dashboards. Check back often as new information and dashboard data are frequently added.
John Hart, a Republican, and Vanessa Sandom, a Democrat, are both former mayors of Hopewell Township. All references and sources are available at teahv.org.
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