HILLSDALE—One of the last public opportunities to ask questions and voice opinions on the school district’s $62.4 million George G. White Middle School renovation referendum runs this Wednesday, Aug. 7, at 7 p.m., when school officials host a virtual forum for residents to learn about the plan.
Residents can question school officials and professionals at the session—one of the last two public presentations scheduled before the Sept. 17 referendum. Nearly 8,600 registered voters will get the chance to vote on the proposal in about six weeks.
In recent outreach to the community, superintendent Robert Lombardy Jr. said questions can be sent before and throughout that evening to vote2024@hillsdaleschools.com. “You can learn how questions will be answered and see the event’s schedule on the referendum website as we approach this informational event. If you are unable to attend the forum, there will be a recording posted on the website after the event.”
He said, “Also, mark your calendar for a presentation and public Q&A at the Board of Education meeting Aug. 26 in the multi-purpose room of Meadowbrook School at 50 Piermont Ave. Community members are invited to learn about the proposal, and ask questions beginning at 5:30 p.m.”
The district says, “If you cannot attend, the forum will be recorded for future viewing and posted on this website. Speakers will include Hillsdale Public Schools’ administrative staff and professional advisors who helped develop the new plan.”
For the Zoom link, and for background, updates, and next steps, visit hillsdaleschools.com/vote 2024.
There, the district’s Road to Referendum web portal says, in part, “At the Hillsdale Public Schools, we are proud to be a place where our students can continue to thrive through lifelong learning inside the classroom and outside in our community. For many of our learners, the George G. White Middle School serves as an important next step in their academic journey.”
It adds, “The middle school is a cornerstone of our town. At over 100 years old, it needs significant renovation to provide a modern educational environment and more instructional space as our district continues to grow. “
It says, “This is an opportunity to modernize George G. White Middle School, celebrate our learners past and present, and innovate for the future!”
The portal includes a FAQ page and detailed descriptions of costs, logistics, student experiences, and voter information.
Learned from feedback
The referendum marks the local district’s second effort to pass a bond referendum to improve the 102-year-old middle school in the past 18 months.
District officials emphasize that the $62.4 million renovation plan—which will raise an average homeowner’s taxes by $840 yearly—provides the three goals voiced by residents at public forums following the first referendum’s defeat: reducing the overall cost, qualifying for more state aid, and saving the existing George White Middle School.
At Road to Referendum, the district details its “Plan to Renew GW,” and says “Hillsdale’s middle school faces many constraints on a daily basis”:
- Lack of instructional spaces appropriate for 21st century learning experiences.
- Every science lab is dated and needs updates; there is no dedicated STEM space.
- Chorus classes currently use a small instruction space behind the stage.
- The TV production studio classroom is among the smallest and needs modern renovations.
- Inefficient heating and electrical mechanical systems.
- Antiquated restrooms, which don’t meet accessibility standards often have sink, stall, and urinal closings for disrepair.
- All classroom periods are filled, which leads to scheduling struggles.
- A cafeteria that is not built to serve 500-plus students
- The Sept. 17 ballot breaks the renovation referendum into two proposals or questions.
The first involves the complete renovation of the school at a cost not to exceed $55,306,528.
The second involves the expansion of the middle school with three classrooms, two science labs, and a small group instruction room, at a cost not to exceed $7,052,833. The approved questions were sent to the county Board of Elections.
The total ballot cost is $62,359,361.
In late June, the district accepted nearly $18 million in state aid to renovate the middle school. Officials said the aid will be received if the referendum is approved by voters.
— With John Snyder