Hillsborough Voters Will Be Asked To Spend $2.8M For School Security, Add Staffing

HILLSBOROUGH, NJ — Two proposals will be added to the ballot in the November election asking Hillsborough voters to spend a total of an additional $2.8 million to create a security department and add staffing at the school district.

The Board of Education voted unanimously to approve the proposals at its Monday night meeting.

"These are intelligent, passionate people who disagree... but when it came down to putting forth what's ready for the next step as we build Boro back they came together as one and spoke as one and I just appreciate everyone's efforts in doing that," said Superintendent Michael Volpe.

Proposal 1

The first proposal is seeking $934,636 in additional funds to be used exclusively to create a security department, including salaries and other compensation, benefits, uniforms, and supplies for a supervisor and nine security officers.

This would add 1 unarmed building monitor at every school and 1 person in charge of all school safety and security efforts.

Approval of these taxes will result in a permanent increase in the district’s tax levy. These proposed additional expenditures are in addition to those necessary to achieve the New Jersey Student Learning Standards.

Proposal 2

The second proposal is seeking an additional $1,901,880 in funds to be be used exclusively to hire 20 additional staff for the purpose of reducing class sizes and adding program offerings, interventionists, and mental health supports, and will include salaries, benefits, and classroom supplies.

Approval of these taxes will result in a permanent increase in the district’s tax levy. These proposed additional expenditures are in addition to those necessary to achieve the New Jersey Student Learning Standards.

"I am very happy the public will be able to vote on the proposals in November, especially with the staffing one. We lost so many people in 2019, so many positions… I am confident the 20 positions will hopefully be for teachers to reduce class sizes," said Board member Jane Staats.

Volpe noted that the new teachers would most likely be hired in January 2024 and be implemented first in semester classes as to not to disrupt younger classes by switching classes mid-year. More classes will then be restructured and reduced in size for the following 2024-25 school year.

"What kind of school district do we want to be? Do we want to be a minimally compliant school district where yes we check the boxes for what the state tells us to do or do we want to provide an outstanding education where our students feel safe and comfortable at all times?" said Volpe on March 13.

If both questions passed, Volpe noted taxes would still go down for Hillsborough and Millstone residents.

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