Hillsborough To Get $407K In School Construction Funding From State

HILLSBOROUGH, NJ — Hillsborough Township Public Schools will be getting new funding under a state grant to address critical facilities needs.

On Sept. 7, the New Jersey Department of Education (NJDOE) and the New Jersey Schools Development Authority (SDA) announced the approval of nearly $450 million in school construction funds for 261 school districts throughout the state.

Hillsborough Township Public Schools will get $407,460 from the state for the project which costs $1,018,650, according to the state.

"For many years, facilities were not prioritized in Hillsborough. There are many items in need of repair. With these ROD grant funds, we will be replacing the Woodfern Elementary School roof," said Hillsborough Superintendent Michael Volpe.

While Volpe is happy with receiving this state funding, he wanted to remind residents about the two questions that will be on the ballot in November.

"One question is for school safety and security and one is to add personnel that we have lost. While I am always looking for alternative sources of revenue, I do believe that the time to come to taxpayers for these questions is now. The reason why I believe that this is prudent now - fiscally speaking - is because the school tax rate has gone down. With the school tax rate going down, it is my hope that if both questions were approved, it would be a minimal impact to the taxpayers of Hillsborough, myself included," said Volpe.

Volpe also shared a tool for residents to assess their tax impact at htps.us/services/business_office/tax_calculator.

"This funding is part of a state and local partnership that will invest in hundreds of school projects while saving a significant amount of taxpayer dollars. Coupled with an infusion of local funding, this collaboration will generate more than $1 billion in important upgrades to schools throughout New Jersey," Gov. Phil Murphy said. "Ensuring our students receive a world-class education in a first-rate learning environment while relieving the pressure on local taxpayers is a top priority of my Administration."

The NJDOE selected the school projects based on need, such as essential building systems upgrades like the repair or replacement of structural components, mechanical/heating and cooling, and electrical systems; building roofs; and to resolve building code issues.

The funding will provide for numerous high-priority upgrades including 320 HVAC systems, 79 boilers or water heaters, and 211 roofs.

"This funding demonstrates our ongoing commitment to providing safe, modern learning environments," Angelica Allen-McMillan, Acting Commissioner of Education said in a statement. "In addition, improving the physical and safety conditions of school buildings improves working conditions for teachers and elevates the pride and support of the school community as a whole. This funding will benefit countless students in hundreds of schools throughout New Jersey."

Funding for the school construction initiative was made possible through legislation signed in 2022 and grant funding from SDA allocations.

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