The bond measure passed by a margin of 830 votes Watch video
HOPEWELL VALLEY -- Hopewell Valley voters on Tuesday overwhelmingly approved a $35.8 million referendum, allowing the regional school district to move ahead with much-needed repairs, upgrades and additions.
The bond measure passed by a margin of 830 votes. The vote was 1,825 to 995.
"We really appreciate the confidence the community has demonstrated in the spending plan," Superintendent Thomas Smith said. "We pledge to work together to ensure the tax dollars entrusted to us are well spent."
Smith credited the referendum's success with the Board of Education's planning and a large group of parents who helped spread the word.
The bond issue was a result of a three-year, comprehensive review of all the district's facilities, in which engineering and architect consultants identified $60 million worth of projects that were top priorities. The list was then pared down and approved for the referendum.
Smith said the district will begin having construction planning meetings as early as next week. Once the designs are finalized, the work will be put out to bid.
Smith anticipates some work will begin next spring, followed by a busy construction period during the summer. He said some of the larger projects could take upwards of 18 months to complete.
At all of the district's six schools, the media centers will be renovated to adapt to the changing times and the intercom and alert systems will be upgraded to improve student safety.
Other projects include the replacement of rooftops, windows, heating and air conditioning units, lighting, fire alarm systems and the upgrading of playgrounds and restrooms.
The additions at Hopewell Valley Central High School include a renovated front entrance and a new arts and wellness space.
Approval of the bond measure enables the district to receive as much as $12.3 million in state aid to help cover a portion of the costs.
"The fact that it passed by almost a 2 to 1 margin speaks volumes about the confidence and collaboration our district has with our community, taxpayers and parents," board president Lisa Wolff said. "Everyone won with this outcome by responsibly addressing this district's facility needs."
The district will post updates about the process on its website.
Cristina Rojas may be reached at crojas@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @CristinaRojasTT. Find NJ.com on Facebook.