As superintendent of schools for the Harrison Township School District, I am proud to share important information with our community regarding an upcoming facilities referendum that will go before voters in November. The proposal reflects our continued commitment to maintaining safe, secure, and high-quality learning environments for every child we serve.
In my 17 years as superintendent, I have been honored to work with the supportive community in Harrison Township. The partnership we share – not only with parents, but with the township as a whole – is what allows us to continue to be a premier school district in New Jersey.
That collective support has helped us earn statewide recognition, including recently being named a New Jersey School to Watch for 2026, an honor that reflects our focus on academic excellence, innovation and student well-being.
The upcoming referendum focuses on critical infrastructure and security upgrades at both Pleasant Valley School and Harrison Township School.
One major component of the proposal is the replacement of the 26-year-old roof at Pleasant Valley. The existing roof has reached the end of its useful life and requires full replacement to ensure long-term structural stability. Addressing this need now allows us to proactively protect our facility from weather-related damage and avoid more costly repairs in the future.
The referendum also includes upgrades to HVAC systems, boilers and chillers in both school buildings. While we will retain our existing heating and cooling mains, the replacement of these major mechanical systems is essential to maintaining reliable temperature control, improving energy efficiency and ensuring healthy indoor air quality for our students and staff. These improvements will also include the necessary electrical support to power and sustain the upgraded systems.
Security remains a top priority in our district. Over the past several years, we have completely upgraded the lobby areas in both buildings to limit access during the school day and ensure controlled entry into our schools. We are also proud to have highly trained, full-time School Resource Officers assigned to each building, strengthening our partnership with local law enforcement and reinforcing our commitment to student safety.
The proposed referendum builds upon these strong foundations. It includes new public address (PA) systems and fire alarm systems in both buildings, ensuring clear communication and compliance with current safety standards. Additionally, significant camera upgrades will be implemented to provide enhanced coverage throughout our schools.
These improvements will allow our School Resource Officers and local police to access critical information quickly in the event of an emergency. While our district is already considered a leader in school security, particularly at the elementary level, these upgrades will provide us with the most up-to-date school security technology available.
As we move toward the November vote, detailed information about the referendum process will be shared through our district website and social media channels. I encourage all residents to stay informed, attend informational sessions and participate in this important decision for our community.
Together, we have built something truly special in Harrison Township. I am grateful for your continued support and partnership as we take the next steps to preserve and strengthen our schools for the future.
