LETTER
To the editor:
Why vote "Yes" to each of the three questions posed for the South Hunterdon Regional High school bond referendum Sept. 25?
Because the high school has been virtually untouched since the 1960s, resulting in deterioration requiring repairs and renovations, is undersized, does not meet New Jersey State core curriculums and, therefore, can not offer our students an education relevant to the times that we live in.
Right now, enrollment is 374 students (state standards for full capacity is 379) and is projected to swell to 508 by the 2004-05 school year.
The question has been raised: How come the school has had enrollments of up to 800 students in the past, and why can’t that work now? Answer: Because times, programs and students have changed, some drastically, over the last 40 years, and state square footage standards have increased to accommodate these changes.
For example, today the state requires space for computer classes, foreign language classes and other special instruction; dedicated space for special needs students and child study teams; a science curriculum with modern hands-on labs; increased space to house the multiple current technology tools needed for research, projects and administrating; and art, music and physical education standards require additional space and modern facilities.
Currently, no teacher has exclusive use of a classroom, making private discussions between teachers and students impossible. Many students who want to participate in the fine and performing art classes can’t there is no auditorium.
Our community must address making these repairs, renovations and expansions now. Why? If we don’t do it now it will only cost voters more later based on projected soaring construction costs.
The state has agreed to pay $4.1 million, or 22 percent of the total cost, the maximum we could get if the total referendum passes. We don’t know if we could get that state money again as an increasing number of schools facing the same challenges are up against the same grant money.
Bringing the school up to today’s standards makes for an engaging, relevant and productive environment, creating a more positive experience for not only our youth, but the entire community. A new auditorium with separate entrance offers a needed cultural space for the entire community. The media center will be used after hours by the community as well.
Raritan Valley Community College is searching for a satellite facility here. If South is updated, it could be a perfect fit and a great contribution to our area. Perhaps Delaware and East Amwell townships could be more persuaded to send their students to an "updated" South (why would they want to leave the "Blue Ribbon" school Central?)
Finally, one of the key factors people use in deciding where to relocate is the quality of schools in the district. An improved school means more desire to live here and increased property values. As it is now, South Hunterdon doesn’t even make a list of the "75 best schools in New Jersey" put out annually by New Jersey Monthly magazine.
As a voter, you have choices of three questions to vote on Sept. 25. Please vote yes to all three questions on this bond referendum, or, at least, vote yes to question one (repairs, renovations, new technology and science wing and media center). Our community deserves a modern desirable school.
A newsletter will be mailed to citizens over the next few weeks giving details. Also you can go to www.shrhs.homestead.com for more information.
Susan Murphy
Lambertville

