State to pay 26% of costs if Sept. 28 schools referendum OK’d

Most of the work covered by the referendum is earmarked for Timberlane Middle School. Work on a smaller scale would be done at Bear Tavern Elementary, Hopewell Elementary, Central High School and Toll Gate Grammar schools.

By John Tredrea
   A state grant would pay $4.06 million of the total cost of a $15.5-million project to expand and improve five schools if a referendum is approved by Hopewell Valley Regional School District voters on Sept. 28.
   Local taxes would cover the $11.4 million balance.
   The amount of the state grant was announced at Monday night’s school board meeting.
   School board Secretary/Business Administrator John Nemeth said Hopewell Valley would receive the maximum amount of state aid for which it is eligible.
   "The final numbers have been established and certified by the state. You’re ready to go. Now it’s up to the voters on the 28th," district bond counsel Edward McManimon told the school board.
   Most of the work covered by the referendum is earmarked for Timberlane Middle School. Work on a smaller scale would be done at Bear Tavern Elementary, Hopewell Elementary, Central High School and Toll Gate Grammar schools.
   According to JoAnn Meyer, school district spokeswoman, the referendum proposal includes:
   • $8.7 million for Timberlane Middle School, including:
   — 10 new classrooms, including two science labs and a larger band room;
   — A new gym, expanded locker rooms and offices;
   — Conversion of small auditorium into two computer labs;
   — Renovation of two sets of student lavatories;
   — Retrofitted gym bleachers (state mandate);
   — Expanded space for school nurse;
   — Renovated kitchen.
   • $1.7 million in roof repairs/partial replacements and new drainage systems at Timberlane, Bear Tavern and Toll Gate Grammar schools.
   • $400,000 for new entrance for Central High School.
   • $267,000 in drainage upgrades and renovations to two substandard classrooms at Hopewell Elementary School.
   • $50,000 for retrofitted bleachers at Central High.
   • $48,400 for new gym floor for Toll Gate Grammar.
   • $1.3 million in technology improvements, including replacements for 120 outdated computers in elementary schools and new printers, software, wireless laptops for Timberlane and Central High.
   • $240,000 for new programming in band and vocal music programs, including an AP music theory course at Central High.
   Also at Monday’s meeting, the school voted unanimously to approve an interlocal agreement (ILA) with Hopewell Township, under which the township will pay for 40 percent of the cost of building a stormwater detention basin at the Back Timberlane athletic fields.
   The township’s share may not exceed $275,000 under the ILA. The Township Committee approved the ILA by a 4-1 vote Aug. 9, with Committeeman Jon Edwards dissenting. Now that the school board has approved it as well, the ILA may be signed by township Mayor Vanessa Sandom, Superintendent Nick Lorenzetti noted Monday night.