As we near the close of 2022, on behalf of Mayor and Township Committee, I would like to thank all of our residents, businesses and employees for their support in making 2022 a great comeback year. The past two (2) years have tested and tried many municipal operations with the bottleneck of economy resources, but the resiliency of many employees has allowed the services the Township provides to our residents continue and even improve.  

With grant money, the Township was able to purchase a new leaf vacuum which has allowed the much-needed service in the community to be reinstated this year.  The Township also purchased a Billy-Goat debris loader to clean out debris in drains and reduce the potential of flooding. Earlier this year the Township purged several pieces of equipment and vehicles in Public Works that were no longer needed and that yielded over $33,000 in revenue. This has allowed the Township to focus on newer equipment and vehicles including the purchase of a new dump truck. 

The Township also settled and approved a new five-year contract with public works employees.  This contract was able to bring additional stability, and include two (2) new team members to the workforce, in addition to a seasonal employee that added depth and experience to the department. 

Another big accomplishment this year was a program to review many parcels of land the Township owned by selling land no longer needed for public use to potential buyers and adjoining neighbors. With those sales, the Township was able to raise an additional $39,000 in revenue this year in proceeds.

The Township continued this year with Earth month in April by opening our convenience drop-off center at Public Works every Saturday, and then ended with a huge community yard sale at Michael Debbi Park in May. This was such a great success that we are bringing it back for 2023, so stay tuned.

We were also able to end this year with a community partnership in raising donations for our annual toy drive.  So many residents donated toys, and in combination with monetary donations, we were able to raise over $4,000. Hundreds of toys were purchased and handed out at our annual tree lighting ceremony at Town Hall where over 300 people came to celebrate the holiday season. It was the best around town!

While we look forward to another year in Buena Vista Township, we are already making plans to increase services in the community for 2023 as we keep BVT Strong.  Have a safe, prosperous and Happy New Year!

The Buena Regional School District  is moving forward with  construction projects as part of its approved bond referendum.  At the high school, the roof has been completely replaced with just a few punch list items remaining; the new nurse’s suite and new library-media center are progressing nicely with anticipated completion dates now at the end of the winter.  Ground has been broken and construction is ongoing for the   addition of the new wrestling room, weight room, and fitness room. The middle school, our newest building, is not receiving the same  extent of renovations as the other school in our  district; however, plans have begun to modify the existing vestibule at the entrance of the school to improve safety and security.    

At Collings Lakes Elementary School, the school year opened with a completely renovated main office and conference room, newly renovated student and staff restrooms, and a brand-new state of the art nurse’s suite. The additional parking lot has been constructed and is almost ready to be opened.  

Milanesi Elementary School opened the school year with a brand-new main office, conference room area, and newly renovated  staff and student restrooms. The cafeteria  expansion project is progressing nicely.  Also, ground has been broken for the highly anticipated gymnasium addition. This upcoming summer will see the much-needed renovation of the bus loop and parking lot.   

At Cleary, roof renovation has occurred and our  students now have a well-deserved playground area, which has a full basketball court, a walking track around the back, and brand-new equipment for our students to enjoy.  Also, we are very  excited with the progress of the two additional classrooms being constructed in the rear of Cleary.  

Aside from the needed renovations to the   physical facilities of our schools, there has been much going on throughout the district.  On November 14th, our Food Services Department and the Buena Regional High School hosted a Thanksgiving Feast for senior citizens within our community.  The BRHS Choir and Dance Team provided entertainment for our guests as we were proud to serve them dinner and give away gifts.  

On November 21st, the annual Powder Puff Football Game took place in the high school football stadium, and a school-spirit bonfire followed on the football practice field. And on November 22nd, at our Board of Education meeting, several Collings Lakes Elementary Schools  students, led by Music Teacher Adrienne McKishen, provided our community and public a very special Thanksgiving performance.

You can stay current with all events and  happenings by visiting our schools’ social media accounts., and you can also see updates on my Instagram account at “buenasuperintendent”.  On behalf of the entire Board of Education and Buena Regional School District,  I wish our entire community a happy holiday season, and a safe and healthy new year.