HILLSDALE— Superintendent Robert Lombardy clarified concerns raised during an Aug. 26 forum on the $62.4 million referendum to renovate George G. White Middle School, emphasizing the need for a comprehensive, long-term solution to the school’s aging infrastructure. He responded to residents questioning why these issues weren’t addressed sooner and highlighted efforts to maintain the school over its 100-plus years.
“We’ve heard people wonder why the problems at George White weren’t addressed prior to this point. For one thing, they were addressed. Repairs extended the life of our building systems, roofs were patched, and room renovations took place on a small scale,” Lombardy told Pascack Press.
Lombardy explained that more substantial upgrades were too expensive to cover under the district’s annual budget. “About five years ago, the Board of Education started looking toward a bond referendum for a more comprehensive, long-term approach. One delay was the pandemic. Another delay happened when voters said no in 2023,” he said. “Those past delays speak to the importance of thinking into the future. The Board has done this to develop a plan that considers the next decades of George White.”
The district recently posted five brief YouTube videos featuring school board members discussing key topics like “Lower Cost, More State Aid” and “Daily Challenges Inside George White.” (See also “Voices on the road to special election,” Michael Olohan, Aug. 26, 2024, PascackPress.com.)
At the Aug. 26 forum, attended by about 25 residents, school officials and the project architect answered questions about costs, property tax impacts, and why repairs were not made sooner. District officials noted that the renovation referendum aligns with three priorities requested by residents: preserving George White Middle School, reducing costs, and increasing state aid.
Lombardy told Pascack Press the $62.4 million referendum includes two questions:
- Question 1: $55.3 million for repairs and renovations, including rebuilding the cafetorium, adding two music classrooms, and installing temporary modular classrooms. If approved, this would secure $18 million in state aid.
- Question 2: $7 million for a new two-story wing with six classrooms, designed for group interactions and STEM and Robotics classes. However, this can only pass if Question 1 is approved.
An informational flier mailed to residents notes, “If voters reject Question 1 but approve Question 2, neither proposal would be valid.” The flier also explains that the average Hillsdale homeowner would see an $840 increase in property taxes if the referendum passes.
The flier outlines the benefits of a “modernized” George White Middle School, including improved security at a new main entrance, updated HVAC systems, new windows and roofing, accessible restrooms, a properly-sized cafetorium, and updated science labs. Following construction completion in fall 2027, all students will return to the renovated school.
Lombardy emphasized that a renovated multipurpose room would offer improved heating and cooling and continue to serve as a community hub for events like basketball, holiday ceremonies, and other gatherings.
On Aug. 26, the school board also renewed its contract with Laura Bishop Communications for 2024–2025, at a maximum budget of $17,000, with video production costs capped at $10,000. The firm has supported the district’s referendum outreach efforts, including the creation of social media posts, videos, and direct mailings to residents.
Lombardy said the district paid Laura Bishop $11,000 in the 2023–2024 fiscal year to ensure voters were informed about the referendum.
For more coverage of the Aug. 26 referendum meeting, see “Modernize the Middle School Forum a wealth of facts, opinions,” Michael Olohan, Sept. 2, 2024, PascackPress.com.