As Hardyston taxpayers know, most of your taxes fund our schools.
In 2023, the Kids First Hardyston team recommended the Hardyston Board of Education consider a feasibility study to consolidate our Hardyston elementary and middle schools. This was to save money on redundant bus routes, administrators and carbon footprint costs associated with maintaining two buildings (in two towns) that are underutilized.
It would also reduce our armed security costs while allowing our administration to focus their attention on student academic achievement at one campus. This idea was overwhelmingly rejected because of “sentimental reasons” and the fear of staff consolidation.
This month, the Hardyston Board of Education voted to participate in a Wallkill Valley Regionalization Efficiency Study. Why? This study is to test the cost savings to consolidate Ogdensburg, Hamburg, Hardyston and Franklin schools into one K-12 school system!
This study will require years of time (and salary) from our administration and distract us from our current district goals.
This November, Donna Carey (incumbent) and Robin Marotta of the Kids First Hardyston Team ask for your vote for Hardyston BOE. I highly recommend this team as they have our children’s success in mind.
Santo Verrilli
Hardyston
Editor’s note: Verrilli is a member of the Hardyston Township Council.