HILLSDALE—The Hillsdale public school district will receive $5.4 million in state aid — more than originally expected — if voters approve an $82.7 million school bond referendum to replace the century-old George G. White Middle School on Tuesday, March 14.
“I was pleasantly surprised,” superintendent Robert Lombardy told Pascack Press on Jan. 11. He said the $5.4 million in state education aid was “more than we expected” and would reduce the local property tax impact.
He said an average local homeowner’s tax increase would be $95 monthly, or $1,140 yearly, on an average Hillsdale home valued at $474,172. Original estimates, before state aid reimbursement was determined by state officials, were closer to a $100 monthly tax increase.
In mid-December, Lombardy said he had anticipated “upward” of $2.5 million in state aid following fall discussions with state education officials. However, Lombardy said final numbers awaited a “preliminary eligible cost” (PEC) letter from the state Department of Education, which was received in late December.
Lombardy said the district’s Road To Referendum website was updated on its frequently asked questions (FAQ) page and “Process” page to offer residents comprehensive information on the bond vote.
He said residents who have questions on the referendum can also email them to referendum@hillsdaleschools.com for answers.
Lombardy said the district had plans to send out a referendum mailing piece to approximately 3,500 residences next week to highlight the upcoming middle school replacement ballot.
He noted the process leading up to the vote has occurred over a four-year timeline, with public input and evaluation of options including renovation.
While lower cost renovation options were available and considered, the Board of Education voted unanimously last June to move ahead with a full middle school replacement.
Trustees noted replacement was needed due to the school being 100 years old and having major structural and physical deterioration and defects.
Moreover, trustees noted any renovation option would need to relocate middle school students into trailers for up to two years, at a cost of nearly $4 million.
In a note to Hillsdale families, Lombardy wrote, “2023 will be significant as the Hillsdale Public Schools embark upon a bond proposal to replace the aging middle school with a new, state-of-the-art learning complex. That leap forward would include appropriately sized classrooms, dedicated space for the arts and STEM instruction, a properly sized gymnasium, a new synthetic turf field, and plenty of space for student and community use. Importantly, a new school would have efficient and reliable building systems and it would meet modern security standards.”
If voters approve the bond referendum, a new middle school would be constructed across the street from the existing middle school, with plans to open in September 2026.
Moreover, a new synthetic multi-use turf field would be built on the site of the old school, likely to open a year later, said school officials.
Lombardy said residents can ask questions and get more information about the referendum by visiting the Road To Referendum webpage and at two upcoming public information sessions.
On Thursday, Jan. 26 at 7 p.m. a virtual forum on the referendum will be held to answer public questions.
On Saturday, Feb. 11, from 10 a.m to 1 p.m. the public is invited to walk through George G. White, hear about the replacement plans and ask questions.
The Road To Referendum includes a section on voting information with details on registering, deadlines, and requesting a mail-in ballot.
Tuesday, Feb. 21 is voter registration deadline. March 7 is the deadline for Bergen County Clerk’s Office to receive your mailed request for a mail-in ballot; March 13, 3 p.m. is the late date for an in-person request to the County Clerk for a vote-by-mail ballot.
Elections officials note mail-in ballots cannot be turned in at polling places. Mail-in ballots must be postmarked by Tuesday, March 14, or if submitted in-person, hand-delivered to the County Clerk’s Office, 1 Bergen County Plaza, Hackensack, before 8 p.m. on March 14.