The school district’s referendum project which would bring repairs to the public school buildings – and which was subject to voter approval last year – had the bid approved for the roof portion, the Board announced last night.

The referendum is aimed at making considerable improvements to the District’s schools through roof repairs and replacements, and HVAC upgrades. Specifically, the referendum projects include significant replacements to the HVAC systems at six (6) District schools: Lakewood High School, Oak Street School, Spruce Street School, Clifton Avenue Grade School, Lakewood Middle School and the E.G. Clarke School. In addition, the project would replace the leaking and badly worn roofs at the Oak Street, Spruce Street, Clifton Avenue and E.G. Clarke Schools.

“The Board of Education wishes to replace and repair the noted roofs and HVAC systems in order to ensure the future viability of its schools for future generations of students,” a Board official announced prior to the referendum going up for the vote. “The Board, as well as State and County officials, have inspected the roofs and HVAC systems at issue and have determined that the deteriorated condition of these facilities puts in jeopardy not only the District’s infrastructure, but the education of its students. In fact, due to the poor conditions of the roofs and HVAC systems, students have had to be relocated to different areas of the buildings in order to accommodate flooding and heating problems.” “The cost of repairing District buildings each year continues to escalate, and totaled approximately $418,000 in the last year alone. This “patchwork” repair system results in budgeted funds being redirected towards such costs, rather than being used in the classroom for the benefit the students and their education. Moreover, the District’s insurance company has indicated that the District’s failure to address the failing roofs may result in loss of coverage.”

Thus far, the bid for the roof portion of the referendum was approved.

The total cost of the proposed referendum project is $34,697,241, of which $29,497,241 is earmarked for the building improvements and $5,200,000 for the refinancing of outstanding lease purchase agreements.

The State of New Jersey will contribute approximately 40% of the building improvement costs, or $11,748,704, towards the overall cost of the project. The net cost to the District, then, and the amount ultimately funded by taxpayers, would be $22,948,537.

Should the jobs be completed for less than the capped amount, the savings would be to the taxpayers, the board member said.

The roof upgrades are expected to be completed in time for the new school year, the board said.

[TLS]