Although there are five seats available on the Hopewell Valley Regional Board of Education this year, there are only four candidates on the ballot. All of the official candidates are already members of the school board that recently saw its $87.2-million bond referendum soundly defeated in a Sept. 17 vote.
With no other candidates on the ballot, all four are virtually guaranteed to be re-elected.
Jacquie Genovesi and Dhruv Kapadia are running for three-year terms in the township. Genovesi ran successfully for the board in 2022 and has served as board vice president this year. Kapadia was elected last November to complete a one-year unexpired term.
Alex Reznik is the lone candidate for school board on the Pennington Borough ballot. Reznik is seeking a second term.
John Slotman ran unsuccessfully for the school board last year, but was appointed at the start of this year when incumbent election winner Andrea Driver declined to be sworn in for a new term, citing personal reasons. State law requires Slotman to run in the November election in order to complete the remaining two years on the term.
The other spot up for election is the one-year unexpired term in the township that had been held by Lydia Liu. Liu resigned the board this summer after moving out of Hopewell Valley. Former board member Sarah Tracy was appointed in August to fill the seat until Dec. 31, but is not running to retain the seat.
With the seat uncontested — township ballots read NO PETITION FILED in that row — it would be left to the board to appoint a member in January to complete the term, unless one write-in candidate receives a majority of votes. Several members of the community are reported to have started up write-in campaigns, which the Express will cover in its November issue.
Despite the lack of uncertainty as to the results of the upcoming vote, Community News sent questionnaires to all the candidates as it does every year. Their biographies and responses to our questions are below.
Jacqueline (Jacquie) Genovesi, 55, is executive director of the Center for STEAM Equity and Research and professor of the School of Education at the Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University.
She is a more than 20-year resident of the Valley, residing in the township with husband Rocco Genovesi, Jr. and their three children, ages 25, 21 and 18. All three attended Bear Tavern, Timberlane and Central High School. The family also has German Shepherds Korra and Zeke.
Dhruv Kapadia, 22, was elected to the school board last year for the first time, to fill a one-year unexpired term. The Boston University graduate works as a legislative aide to Sen. Andrew Zwicker, and is now running for a full three-year term on the board.
Kapadia is a 20-year township resident who lives in Hopewell Grant. He attended HVRSD schools for the entirety of his K-12 education. His parents, Amit and Renu Kapadia, immigrated from India in 1994 and have been married for 34 years. Kapadia has an elder brother, Kunal, 28.
Alex Reznik, 50, is a wireless network engineer. The one-term incumbent lives on South Main Street in Pennington, where he has been for almost 10 years. Before that, he lived in Titusville for 11 years. He is married with three daughters. The eldest is a college graduate and working; the middle daughter is a senior at CHS and the youngest is an 8th greater at Timberlane. All three have been at HVRSD from kindergarten onward.
John Slotman, 47, is a government affairs professional who has lived in Hopewell Township for 11 years. Slotman and wife Jessica have two children, a sixth and a seventh grader, both of whom attend Timberland Middle School.
Community News: Tell us about the moment that you decided to run again for school board.
Jacquie Genovesi: I decided to run again for school board because there is still work to be done. Our schools are great in many ways and there are critical issues that need to be addressed. Our community is growing and our schools are in need of new and improved facilities. We are also working to ensure that our schools are welcoming for all students, our curriculum is research based and we are collecting and using data to inform our decisions.
Dhruv Kapadia: I am running for re-election to continue bringing a young, progressive, and student-centered perspective to our school board. In my first term, I’ve worked to address pressing student issues related to social justice, community-building, and post-graduate success. As the board’s sole Asian representative, I am also committed to advocating for our district’s marginalized student communities. My platform remains grounded in the same principles I ran on last year – Equity, Community, and Success.
Alex Reznik: I enjoyed my service over the last 3 years, so running again was always in the cards. Once the board decided to put the referendum to the voters, I felt that no matter which way the vote went, I would have unfinished business that I wanted to see through: making sure that we were being responsible stewards of the public’s trust had the referendum passed; or, as is the case, putting together a new way forward that maintains the quality of our education as much as possible.
John Slotman: I have dedicated myself to serving our community in Hopewell through various roles, including as a coach, team manager, and PTO volunteer. Earlier this year, I had the honor of being selected to serve our students, educators, and families as a member of the Hopewell Valley Regional Board of Education. It would be a privilege to continue in this role for the remainder of the term.
Community News: Did you vote on Sept. 17 for the district’s $87.2M bond referendum, and if so, how did you vote and why?
Jacquie Genovesi: I voted for the referendum. There are significant capital projects that we cannot fund through the regular budget. I was disappointed at the misinformation being spread. My hope is that people will reach out to board members directly so we can understand your concerns and we can provide facts about the needs of the district.
Dhruv Kapadia: While I understood (and agreed) with community concerns regarding turf fields and ‘non-essential’ items, I voted yes because 91% of proposed costs were associated with critical infrastructure projects needed for long-term student safety and success. As the son of immigrants who experienced financial challenges when moving to Hopewell, I deeply understand the impact this decision had on our community’s taxpayers.
Alex Reznik: Yes I did vote. As a sitting board member, it is my understanding that stating how I voted may violate various state regulations for board members. However, it is a matter of public record that I supported putting the referendum before the voters, first as Chair of Finance and Facilities committee and then during the board vote on the matter.
John Slotman: In my brief time as a member of the Board of Education, I have gained a far greater understanding of the district’s infrastructure needs. The needs are both great and beginning to impact the educational experiences of our students. Regardless of the referendum, these needs will need to be addressed in the very near future.
Community News: What should be the district’s path forward now that the referendum did not pass?
Jacquie Genovesi: We need to listen to the communities’ concerns. We also need the community to understand that the majority of the costs in the referendum are not “nice to haves.” If we don’t pass a referendum in some form, I worry about the potential cuts we would need to make.
Dhruv Kapadia: With the referendum not passing, we will likely need to present a leaner proposal in the coming year. While larger costs remain (roofing, HVAC, building onto Bear Tavern and Toll Gate, etc.), we trust the Township, despite ongoing litigation over PILOT funds, to be helpful partners in addressing key projects tied to new development.
Alex Reznik: As explained to me, it may be a violation of state’s ethics regulations for a sitting board member to express my opinion. As a matter of process, the administration is working on alternatives which they will be putting in front of the board for our consideration. For any readers who are truly interested in the process – or in my opinion – I suggest you attend the board meetings or watch the proceedings on video after the meeting.
The public board meeting is the only venue where I am allowed to express such an opinion. More importantly, it’s good to have as many members of the public as possible actively engaged in our democratic process.
John Slotman: The school district will need to be thoughtful in determining the best pathway forward in a fashion that both maintains student safety and preserves the educational programming and excellence our community expects and deserves. The school district will need to solicit community – parents and educators alike – input to ensure we are meeting our area’s educational needs. I hope to be a constructive part of the conversation that addresses these important issues.
Community News: Grade the job the school board has done in the past year. What can you as a member of the school board do to maintain or improve this grade going forward?
Jacquie Genovesi: B. We provide an excellent education both in the classroom and through extracurricular activities. I am proud of the work we have been doing around mental-health awareness and education for students, teachers, parents and the community. We are working on ensuring that all students have access to higher level courses such as honors and AP. I am proud that my fellow board members in the education committee pushed to ensure that how a student is placed in math in 6th grade doesn’t determine their math track throughout their high school career.
Communication is a challenge that the school board and the district is always trying to improve. Our students are also still struggling academically and mentally from Covid. We need to continue funding to support struggling students.
Dhruv Kapadia: Report Card: B. Achievements: In 2024, we reinstated STEM facilitators, began implementing the Climate Action Plan, abolished random drug testing, lowered TMS math placement cutoffs and increased restorative justice practices.
Shortcomings: We need better communication and community outreach. Although the referendum was discussed in every public meeting since November 2023, it’s clear we must improve how we inform and engage the public across all channels.
What I will do: As an incumbent board member, I will continue to leverage my knowledge of our district and strong relationships with administrators to create student-centered policy. Whether it is improving our community outreach or addressing academic achievement gaps, I know how to best serve the unique on-the-ground needs of our students, staff, and faculty.
Alex Reznik: As explained to me, it may be a violation of state’s ethics regulations for a sitting board member to answer this question. However, the board is about to embark on an annual self-evaluation process which will be discussed and reviewed as part of our public meetings. Any readers interested in our joint opinion on the matter should attend the board meetings or watch the proceedings on video after the meeting.
John Slotman: As a recent board appointment, I would give our board work in 2024 an above average grade. The board was able to accomplish many important objectives this year, including passing a budget that enhanced educational programming available to our district’s students. I was particularly proud of the decision to restore our HVRSD elementary school STEAM facilitators that had been eliminated in the previous year’s budget. And our school district continues to succeed in creating a learning environment focused on student and educator safety and wellness.
The board should continue in 2025 and beyond its work to maintain safe learning spaces for teachers and educators and address underlying infrastructure needs.
Community News: What are two vital issues facing the school board today?
Jacquie Genovesi: The major issue facing the board today is aging infrastructure. We have roofs and HVAC systems that are failing. We have our most vulnerable students in trailers outside of the schools. We will soon get an influx of new students from the two new developments that will crowd our classrooms. Without the new classrooms that were to be built from the referendum, the normal class size in Hopewell will be in the high twenties. This does not create a great learning experience. We are going to listen to the community and hopefully come back with a referendum that the majority of the community can support for the sake of our children and the community.
Dhruv Kapadia: Academic achievement gaps: disparities between Black and Latino students and their White and Asian peers persist in HVRSD. As a member of the Education Committee, I’ve pushed our administration for targeted interventions to address these gaps and promote educational equity through data-driven solutions. For too long, we’ve allowed these disparities to go unchallenged. It’s time for meaningful action.
Infrastructure and community needs: With aging buildings and increased development in Hopewell, our infrastructure requires serious attention. Let’s be clear — our facilities are in dire need of improvements to prevent future crises (our youngest building, Stony Brook, is over 20 years old). While the recent referendum failed, I will work to reassess capital priorities and propose a more streamlined plan that meets the district’s long-term needs without overburdening taxpayers.
Alex Reznik: As explained to me, it may be a violation of state’s ethics regulations for a sitting board member to answer this question.
John Slotman: Our aging infrastructure and the need for repairs and upgrades remains a significant issue facing the school district. Our “newest” school is nearly old enough to rent a car while we have other schools nearing centenarian status. Issues such as poor drainage and leaky roofs will impact our educational experience if not addressed in the very near future. We need to address these issues, and we need to begin to address these issues in 2025.
A second issue that HVRSD should continue to address is cellular phone usage including social media wellness. The data on the negative impact of electronics overuse is clear. And our school district has done an admirable job to date in encouraging families and students to “put away the phone,” including an upcoming TMS program focused on this important topic. But as social media, gaming, and other apps evolve over time, so should the district’s approach to digital wellness. I hope to see our district work creatively to address this important issue.
Community News: What skills, expertise and experience can you point to that show that you can be an asset to the board as it considers the 2025-26 budget?
Jacquie Genovesi: I have experience developing large budgets in my professional career at The Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University. I understand balancing the needs of students, teachers and administrators with the tax-cap that limits the amount any district can raise taxes. This is going to be a very challenging budget year. The costs of transportation, energy, and insurance have all continued to increase.
We have mandated changes to curriculum that must be completed and we now have the extra burden of having to spend money to fix emergent facility needs. As a board member, I know I will have to make tough, sometimes unpopular decisions. I can promise you that I will always hold the needs of our students first and foremost.
Dhruv Kapadia: As a legislative aide for Sen. Zwicker, I regularly analyze fiscal notes and evaluate budgetary impacts on policy, honing my expertise in financial oversight. As Boston University’s 93rd Student Body President, I managed the redistribution of a $2.8M student activity fee, identifying inefficiencies and optimizing allocations.
As a recent HVRSD graduate, I bring firsthand knowledge of how budget decisions impact students directly. These experiences equip me with the skills to ensure our district’s 2025-26 budget prioritizes educational outcomes and allocates resources efficiently to maximize student success.
Alex Reznik: I now have three years’ board experience and two years on the Finance and Facilities committee. I believe this experience will be invaluable as we enter a period of having to make some difficult decisions that are ultimately driven by the fiscal constraints of a 2% budget increase cap as mandated by law, an inflation that significantly exceeds that cap and the numerous urgent capital improvement needs that were highlighted in the referendum.
John Slotman: The annual school budget helps ensure students and educators have the necessary resources to achieve academic success. As a relative newcomer to the budget process, I will bring a fresh perspective as a new Board member and current parent to next year’s school budget. I know the next budget cycle will be a challenging one. If elected, I will work collaboratively with the board, administration, and community to address facility needs while maintaining the excellence in educational programming that is HVRSD’s trademark.
Community News: There are more seats than candidates on the ballot in this year’s school board election, meaning candidates on the ballot are virtually guaranteed to be elected. Nevertheless, please tell us why should voters re-elect you to the school board.
Jacquie Genovesi: My most important quality is that I care. My last child graduated CHS last year. I am running again because I care about our children and our community. I am a valuable member of the school board because of my extensive and varied experience. I have worked in education and with educators for 30+ years creating curriculum and professional development in STEM and early childhood education. I was recently selected as a finalist for the national Presidential Award for Excellence in Science, Mathematics and Engineering Mentoring.
Dhruv Kapadia: As the youngest, only K-12 HVRSD alumnus, and only South Asian candidate, I bring a diverse, student-centered perspective that benefits our district. From helping abolish random drug testing to advocating for restorative justice to approving equitable curricula, I know what it takes to create change in the Valley.
Alex Reznik: I hope that the folks in Hopewell Valley who have bothered to talk to me feel that they were heard and either received an honest response to their inquiries — or an honest and detailed explanation of why I can’t respond. Beyond that, you’d have to ask the voters why they vote for me.
John Slotman: First and foremost, we — not just the board but all of us in Hopewell — should encourage civic engagement and participation as much as possible. The Board of Education formally meets one Monday per month at the HVRSD offices in Pennington. The more community members attend and offer perspective at these meetings, the better informed the board will be.
It has been an honor and privilege to serve our community as a member of our board of education. I believe my career experience in public and government affairs along with my community ties and commitment to service make me a good fit. I humbly ask our community to return me to the Hopewell Valley Regional Board of Education for the next two years.
