Hunterdon school expansion plans get boost

Hunterdon County is a step closer to expanding Hunterdon County Vocational School District (HCVSD). Plans to build a new campus were buoyed by the earmarking of significant funding by the state. The proposed expansion aims to provide trades-based learning combined with traditional academic instruction.
The funding is part of a $220 million package announced by New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy, stemming from the Securing Our Children’s Future Bond Act that voters approved in November 2018. The legislature is expected to approve the appropriation, which includes $15 million for HCVSD with a $5 million match from Hunterdon County.
For all Career-Technical Education (CTE) schools in the state, plans hinge on a local funding match of 25%; HCVSD has received that from the board of county commissioners.

HCVSD’s proposed 35,000-square-foot building would be constructed on the grounds of North Hunterdon High School. With no land acquisition costs, HCVSD can focus funds on establishing a modern facility with full-time programs in manufacturing, construction and energy (HVAC), leisure and hospitality, and the transportation, distribution, and logistics sectors. In addition to classroom and workshop space for HVAC, welding, diesel technology, hospitality, and tourism, the new building would feature a rooftop garden to be used as a culinary arts lab. The new building would be known as HCVSD-North Campus. The project would create space for up to 500 new students.
Lawmakers have up to 60 days to review the proposed projects, but approval is expected because the application process was comprehensive and vetted. HCVSD anticipates a two-year timeline for competitive bids and construction before the new facility could open for student use.

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