Dr. Feltre Responds to NJ21st Questions on Referendum and Parent Concerns on School Closings

BHPSNJ FacilitiesEducation

John received the following response from Dr. Feltre to his article on the referendum published last week.

Good Afternoon Mr. Migueis,
Thank you for your thoughts and insights. Your first question “A referendum for what?” is part of the reason for the meeting on February 26th, but the next step in the process. When I started in January, I navigated multiple infrastructure challenges and was told of a referendum that was discussed but didn’t take place in 2021. The district has bond debt rolling off in March 2026 and we have to quickly decide if we want to pursue another referendum as the debt rolls off.
The purpose of the meeting on February 26th is for the architects, bond counsel, and financial advisors to share the referendum process and timeline with the community. In doing so, we can survey the community for input on if they have an appetite for a referendum and what they’d be willing to support in a referendum. The beauty of a referendum for a district is that we can receive up to 34% state aid on eligible projects. By identifying the needs of the community and district, especially those projects that are eligible for state aid, we can be fiscally responsible in addressing the facilities challenges we are facing.
We don’t want to be paying 100% of the costs for projects for which we can receive state aid, if those projects can wait for the referendum. But we first need to take a step back and make sure the district, Board, and community are all hearing the same message regarding the referendum timeline and process, have an opportunity to ask questions and be informed when making decisions moving forward.
From the individual conversations that I have had, individuals have specific understandings of part of the referendum process, myself included, but no one that I’ve spoken to thus far has a full understanding and they have questions. The meeting on February 26th is for ensuring the conversation remains open from the start; an opportunity for understanding and dialogue.
I hope this clarifies and thank you,
Dr. Kim Feltre

 

Michael LeBlond forwarded this response from Dr. Feltre to an email he published last week on School closings.

Good Morning Mr. Leblond,

Thank you for your email and your feedback. School delays and closures due to weather are not an easy decision and every effort is made to try to keep schools open as scheduled. I am fully aware of the challenges and constraints working families have with unexpected changes, as I am familiar with being a working parent. I am aware and sensitive to the fact that weather-related school delays and closures are disruptive.

On February 5th, I communicated to parents that a decision on closing would be made the morning of February 6th and to please have plans in place. On February 11th, the district planned for ice and snow, but multiple B&G staff were stricken with the flu and the delay was necessary in order to ensure the lots and sidewalks were safe for students and staff.

As we try to make every effort to open schools as scheduled when possible, we are in communication with BHPD, as well as the Superintendents of the surrounding districts. While I would love to be able to make decisions the night before, sometimes the weather forecast is such that making a decision the night before is not feasible.

I thank you for your feedback, appreciate the hardships weather-related school delays and closures cause families, and will continue to communicate decisions in a timely fashion.

Have a wonderful day.
Dr. Kim Feltre

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