We would like to take this opportunity to thank every voter who made their voices heard in the HVRSD Sept. 17 $82.7-million bond referendum. The decisive rejection of the referendum — 69% voted no — indicates that there were significant concerns among a majority of voters about various aspects of the district’s referendum proposal.
Here are our takeaways from the many discussions online and in meetings:
Cost and tax impact: The referendum amount was $87 million, with an estimated annual tax impact of between $433-$515 per average household. Over a 20-year term, this exceeds $10,000. Many residents felt this was too high of a cost burden.
Timing of the special election: There were questions about why the district chose to hold a special election in September rather than waiting for the regular November election. Some may have seen this as an attempt to limit voter turnout. (Editor’s note: a number of school districts throughout the state held bond referendum votes on Sept. 17 this year — 14 districts, in fact, according to the New Jersey School Boards Association.)
Prioritization of projects: Many residents questioned spending $5.8 million on synthetic fields rather than prioritizing other infrastructure needs like HVAC and roofing repairs.
Concerns about overall district financial management: Pennington Borough Mayor James Davy has raised concerns about Hopewell Township shifting school tax burdens to the boroughs, suggesting underlying issues with district and township finances.
Lack of urgency: At a Sept. 9 town hall meeting, BOE Finance and Facilities chair Alex Reznik publicly acknowledged that if the referendum failed, “the world will not end,” but the district would face “difficult decisions.” This may have led some residents to feel the projects were not absolutely critical.
Scope of projects: The referendum covered a wide range of projects from expanding instructional space to installing synthetic fields. Some voters may have felt it was too broad or included nonessential items.
Alternative funding options: Some residents expressed a desire to explore other funding mechanisms rather than taking on significant new debt through a bond issue.
Additions to Tollgate Grammar School and Bear Tavern Elementary: Many residents expressed concerns about the proposed cost, need and scope of the multimillion dollar additions to Tollgate and Bear Tavern Elementary Schools.
It is safe to assume the HVRSD Board of Education will float another referendum in 2025, and we hope the BOE will take the community’s concerns under advisement.
Thanks again to everyone who joined our bipartisan coalition with your voice and your vote.
John Hart and Vanessa Sandom are former Hopewell Township mayors and long-time Hopewell Valley residents.
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