Voters deserve a fair summary and complete and accurate information. In response to previously published content, here are some facts.
Class size and space pressure. District messaging is not that “classes are large”—it’s that some schools (especially Bear Tavern and Toll Gate) are out of rooms and using old trailers or cramped small-group spaces. The district’s FAQ says expansions are to “maintain small class sizes…move students from aging modular trailers…[and] reduce the level of redistricting,” explicitly naming Bear Tavern’s 8–10 rooms and Toll Gate’s 6 rooms.
Since January 2025, the district has warned that class sizes are set to increase without new space or revenue; the superintendent told residents the district is “facing significant financial challenges, with class sizes expected to increase.”
“There’s capacity, just rezone” ignores costs and disruption.
Expansions reduce the level of redistricting, while providing flexible rooms for small-group instruction that can convert to full-size classrooms as needed. That is a strategic choice to minimize busing/time costs and community disruption.
Roofs and warranties. The project list does not include “all roofs under warranty.” It specifies “remaining roof areas that are beyond useful life” (Central High School and Timberlane Middle School) and Bear Tavern areas where warranties “expired or will expire in 2026.” The target is aging sections and failed flashing/low-slope areas (e.g., Stony Brook) that are past life. That contradicts the claim that the district is simply tossing out active coverage.
“20-year debt for short-life paving.” The proposal does not bundle wholesale paving across the district. The only paving included is a specific restoration at CHS’s solar lot and limited driveway/parking safety work at Toll Gate—paired with long-life systems (HVAC, boilers, roofs). It’s inaccurate to imply a district-wide paving program is being amortized for 20 years.
“Copying Princeton/Lawrence talking points.” Our Mercer County neighbors passed $89.1M (Princeton, January 2025) and $94.9M (Lawrence, March 2025) referendums for the same categories—system replacements and expansions. That’s not a borrowed slogan; it’s how districts leverage state debt-service aid to tackle capital needs. HVRSD’s FAQ lists these comparables to explain financing.
State review and aid. Projects for the original scope of work went through NJDOE review, and the district is approved for $20.2M in state aid contingent on voter approval. Rejecting a referendum forfeits that subsidy and forces emergency fixes into the operating budget, which the Superintendent has already warned against.
The role of PILOT, and why Question 2 still matters. Under New Jersey’s conventional tax split, schools typically receive ~53% of the tax levy; under PILOT (Payment in Lieu of Taxes) agreements, municipalities can keep nearly all revenue, leaving schools with $0 unless towns voluntarily share. That statewide concern is why legislation has been proposed to require PILOT sharing with school districts.
The district and Hopewell Township had constructive conversations that led to the township pledging up to $16.1M of PILOT revenue (from the Hopewell Parc redevelopment) to the Bear Tavern expansion. The distribution of the funding is contingent on the ongoing PILOT litigation’s resolution.
Question 2 of the referendum is still needed because, with voter approval, it provides upfront funding to address space needs as quickly as possible, with an assist of more than $300,000 in state aid. Also, the question includes the expansion of both Bear Tavern and Toll Gate. PILOT funding, when received, would be used to pay down the debt service for the Bear Tavern project.
Emergency fixes are already impacting funding for academics. Administratively “patching” leaks and swapping failing equipment midyear pulls money from instruction. The district cites a recent emergency heat-pump failure at Toll Gate that had to be paid out of the operating budget. A referendum shifts these big-ticket items to bonding and state aid.
The current scope is needs-focused. After the 2024 referendum was defeated, the district removed the synthetic turf field from the proposal and expanded critical HVAC projects — a direct response to community feedback to keep the package “must-have.”
10) Transparency and accountability are built in.
• Project lists by school (what, where, and why), the funding stack (state aid + local + PILOT), and the tax-impact mechanics are in public FAQs and presentations. The district also notes state aid is only captured if voters approve, which is why timing matters.
A fair summary for voters
Need: Targeted expansions at Bear Tavern/Toll Gate to end trailers, relieve crowding, and reduce the level of redistricting; replacements for systems at the end of useful life.
Financing: With the help of state aid of $20.2 million and a Hopewell Township PILOT commitment of $16.1 million for Bear Tavern to pay down school debt service over time. This is an offset to taxpayer cost that schools do not get without a referendum and a sharing agreement.
Risk of “do nothing”: Rising class sizes, continued use of substandard trailers, and more emergency repairs straining the instructional budget.
Verdict: The updated, trimmed scope, documented end-of-life systems, guarantee of state aid with voter approval, and $16.1M PILOT commitment constitute responsible planning that reduces long-run taxpayer exposure while protecting program quality.
Dr. Michael Wilson is a member of the Hopewell Valley Regional Board of Education. He writes in his capacity as a private citizen, and not in his capacity as a board member. This commentary was not authorized by or written on behalf of the Hopewell Valley Regional Board of Education, and solely represents his personal opinions.
