Let’s Stick to Reality
Recently, there has been much talk about the potential for a digital sign to generate revenue for our school district, with some claiming it could bring in anywhere from $5,000 to $20,000 a month. While this might sound appealing at first glance, it’s important to consider the facts before jumping to conclusions.
1. Immediate Needs First: Roofs and Boilers, Not Signs
We fully agree—the current school sign is outdated and will eventually need to be replaced. But let’s be clear: replacing a sign does not take precedence over urgent repairs like fixing leaking roofs or replacing broken boilers. These are real, pressing issues that directly impact the safety and comfort of our students and staff, and they must come first.
Our team is focused on addressing these critical infrastructure needs, not on speculative ideas that may or may not provide the promised returns.
2. The Reality of Revenue: Overestimated and Uncertain
The claim that a digital sign could generate up to $20,000 per month is highly optimistic and, frankly, not rooted in reality. Where is the demand for local advertising that would support such high revenue figures?
Additionally, zoning laws prohibit advertising for businesses not located on school property, further limiting the income potential. The reality is, the process of setting up a digital billboard would be much more complicated, and the revenue would likely fall far short of these exaggerated estimates.
3. Legal Hurdles: Zoning Issues and Unnecessary Costs
Let’s not forget the legal process involved. Any digital sign proposal would have to go through the zoning board of another town, which means more red tape and more potential legal costs. And if there’s anything we’ve learned, it’s that using taxpayer dollars on unnecessary legal battles—especially when the potential returns are questionable—is not a practical or responsible approach.
Unfortunately, our opponent has demonstrated a willingness to pursue costly legal actions in the past, with little to no benefit to the community. This is not the kind of leadership our district needs.
4. Realistic, Practical Solutions
At the end of the day, our focus must remain on what’s truly important: providing a safe, supportive learning environment for our students, and addressing the real, pressing needs of our schools. That’s where our attention is, and that’s where your taxpayer dollars should go.
While we are always open to new ideas and creative solutions, they must be realistic, legal, and in line with the values of our community. A digital sign might sound good on paper, but the reality is much more complicated.
Let’s Focus on What Truly Matters
The choice is clear: do we chase after speculative projects that come with legal and financial risks, or do we focus on real solutions that directly benefit our students and schools?
We believe in prioritizing what truly matters—and that’s why we are committed to addressing critical infrastructure needs and ensuring a bright future for Hardyston students.
Vote for the team that delivers real results: Hoffman, Van Ginneken & Altieri. Together, we can keep our focus where it belongs—on the future of our schools.