HILLSDALE—The Hillsdale Board of Education shared significant updates on the progress of the George G. White Middle School renovation project in a Jan. 14 letter to district families, highlighting achievements and outlining next steps for the ambitious two-year project.
In September, Hillsdale voters approved a bond referendum to fund the long-anticipated renovation. Since then, the district has been focused on planning to ensure a seamless transition for students and staff during construction.
Board of Education President Justin Saxon emphasized the importance of maintaining continuity and quality in students’ educational experiences throughout the process.
Bond Offering Secures Favorable Rates
On Dec. 4, 2024, the district initiated its first bond offering to secure funding for project start-up costs. The district said it was pleased to receive a “AA” bond rating, which enabled access to capital at a bond rate lower than originally anticipated. The bond sale officially closed on Dec. 19, 2024.
Advanced Planning for Academic Continuity
District administrators, including principal Donald Bergamini, assistant principal Charles Giordano, supervisor of curriculum Jaclyn Derwin, and superintendent Robert Lombardy, have been working on middle school scheduling for the 2025-2026 school year. Their efforts aim to replicate the current academic experience as closely as possible, ensuring continuity for students as they transition to a temporary campus.
Similarly, elementary school principals and Lombardy have finalized scheduling plans for pre-K–4 students. Current fourth graders, who will remain at their elementary schools, will experience aspects of the middle school curriculum in their fifth-grade schedules, including daily science and social studies classes.
The district’s creative scheduling approach has also eliminated the need for modular classrooms at Ann Blanche Smith and Meadowbrook schools, preserving the current student experience.
Temporary Campus Development on Track
Construction activity on the George G. White field is expected to begin in late March or early April. By late June or early July, the modular campus on the field will be ready to accommodate students for the start of the 2025-2026 school year. The modular campus will consist of four pods, each housing six to eight classrooms and restrooms.
Designed with interior corridors, the modular setup aims to mirror the current experience of moving between classrooms. Raised walkways will be provided for students who need to access rooms outside their designated pods.
Looking Ahead
As the project progresses, the district’s Road to Referendum web portal will continue to serve as a hub for updates. Families are encouraged to reach out to their building principals or Superintendent Lombardy with any questions or concerns.
Saxon expressed gratitude for the extensive efforts of the district’s administrative team, including Lombardy and Pouliot, in preparing for the upcoming changes.
“Their efforts will greatly benefit the students of our community as we move into the key phases of our referendum,” Saxon wrote.
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