Roy Dollard
Hopewell Township
As you know, the 2011-12 school budget will be put before the voters on April 27. This budget is the result of months of work by the board of education and our district administration. Throughout this time, we have listened to the community and have done our very best to consider your concerns and include your recommendations.
These past months of listening, studying and debating has resulted in a 2011-12 school budget that demonstrates our serious commitment to financial discipline while successfully maintaining our instructional programs at their current high levels. In addition, we have included a number of needed improvements to our buildings. All of this was achieved with a projected overall decrease in spending — the proposed 2011-12 budget includes a reduction in spending of 1.9 percent over this year.
We are very fortunate to have an excellent school district lead by a very able administrative cadre. I believe the proposed budget protects our strengths while respecting the very real financial challenges we all face. I heartily endorse this budget. I took part in the process and ask that you vote on April 27.
Please note: The opinions expressed in this letter are mine and do not necessarily represent those of the other members of Hopewell Valley Regional Board of Education, of which I am a member.

