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Architect outlines referendum timeline: roofing in summer 2026, phased HVAC and expansions to follow
Summary
District architect Dan Scatone presented a preliminary timeline for the recently approved Hopewell Valley referendum: initial roofing work in summer 2026 at three schools, phased HVAC/renovations through 2027, long lead equipment concerns and plans to bid under public-bidding law; administrators stressed safety and communication during construction.
Dan Scatone, the district’s architect, presented a preliminary phased timeline after voters approved the district referendum. Scatone said immediate steps include finalizing design and engineering, submitting projects for required agency reviews, and preparing bidding packages governed by the state public-bidding law.
He identified the first round of summer 2026 work: roofing at Hopewell Valley High School, Timberlane and Stony Brook. Additional renovation and restoration work is scheduled across 2027, including HVAC unit replacements, exterior and interior door work, ADA bathroom improvements and pavement restoration at specified elementary and middle schools. Scatone cautioned some HVAC and mechanical equipment have long lead times—"40 to 50 plus weeks"—so procurement timing is being planned well in advance.
The architect and district officials said projects will be phased to limit disruption during the school year: construction areas will be cordoned off, egress and safety plans will be enforced, and stakeholders including teachers and staff will be consulted on impacts. Administrators explained that if some bids come in under budget, those savings are set aside to cover potential overruns on other referendum projects; any unspent referendum funds would be returned to taxpayers over time.
Board members asked for clarification about how under-budget bids are handled; administrators said the referendum portfolio is treated as a pool, with cost savings allocated to handle cost overruns elsewhere and any ultimate surplus returned as tax relief over a multi-year schedule. The board was told the district will provide ongoing updates to the community, including photos and videos of progress and newsletter notices.
Next steps: design and permitting will continue, bidding is planned for later in 2026, and district staff will report ongoing status updates to the board and public.
