Hardyston schools set goals with budget constraints in mind

The Hardyston Township Public School District is planning some new projects while factoring in an expected loss of state aid.

At the school board’s Jan. 26 budget workshop, Mike Ryder, chief school administrator, said goals for next year presented to the school board included the following:

● A preschool curriculum;

● A brand-new wireless network, with outside coverage, in both schools;

● A summer academy that will allow students to make educational gains;

● A new reading program for elementary special education students;

● A new program that will regularly assess sending schools, in an effort to provide all students in the district with a common educational experience before they advance to Wallkill Valley Regional High School.

Hardyston Elementary

Ryder said the engineering company Parette Somjen Architects, LLC, proposed some preliminary project goals for the next year at Hardyston Elementary School. One is to outfit the main offices with a new filtration and air conditioning systems to improve overall air quality.

Ryder said the elementary school is preparing to replace two old boilers with energy-efficient boilers. The roof above the boilers will be replaced as well.

“The district has done an unbelievable job being cost-conscious every year, and saving every dollar not spent in preparation for large capital projects,” Ryder said.

State aid

The school’s projects will be paid for through the school’s capital reserve funds.

“The school foresees a loss of state aid projected at $371,000,” said Ryder. “Two years ago the state aid plan that the state reported was part of a six-year reduction. The school continues to grow their academic programs and technology despite their loss in state aid.”

“A mantra of ours,” Ryder continued, “ is doing more with less since the state started reducing our aid. We refuse to let Trenton limit our academic growth and achievements.”

The next budget workshop will be held on Feb. 8.