Board approves $4.7M architect professional‑services contract for referendum after debate

The Hopewell Valley Regional School District board voted Jan. 6 to approve a $4,700,000 professional services contract to provide architecture and engineering services tied to the district referendum.

The finance committee presented the contract and explained the fee represents roughly 6.93% of the total construction cost and includes a $25,000 credit for pre‑referendum work. A committee member said the fee covers design and engineering across multiple projects in the referendum and is not an annual contract.

Several board members asked for more transparency before approval. One board member said they experienced "sticker shock" over the $4.7 million figure and asked whether the board could delay approval for a committee briefing and a more detailed cost breakdown. District staff replied that the firm is already under contract and familiar with the buildings, and that the figure falls within the ballpark for similarly complex projects.

After procedural motions (including an attempted rescind and debate over severing the two finance items), the board held a roll‑call vote; the recording shows some members abstained while others voted in favor. The chair declared the motion passed and directed staff to provide a fuller explanation to the finance committee and the broader board.

What the contract covers: district staff said the contract will fund design and engineering work across referendum projects and may include additional costs depending on construction manager fees; the district said it will seek offsets where possible and that the $25,000 credit reduces the base fee.

Next steps: staff will arrange a finance‑committee briefing with the architect to provide a breakdown of costs and explain opportunities for negotiation and cost controls. The board asked that future large items be reviewed in committee before full board votes.