Schools

Board Prepares to Move Forward with Referendum Plan

Voters may see a second question on optional parking lot repairs.

None of the projects at Watchung Hills Regional under consideration for an $11.5 million September referendum can be described as "glitzy," Board of Education President Rob Horowitz noted during a special meeting Monday.

In fact, most are to replace parts of the building or systems nearly as old as the school itself—from the original steam heat system in the south building to the glass wall to the north building's original roofing.

The board's Buildings and Grounds Committee and Finance Committee reviewed a list of projects for the proposal, culling out things like replacing the turf field and rebuilding the stadium bathrooms, putting forward a list of seven projects—plus an optional question on rebuilding the school's parking lots.

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Board members didn't decide on whether to include the parking lot, estimated to cost about $1.4 million, in the referendum since it was not deemed to directly impact students.

But the board reiterated the costs and potential problems if the projects aren't undertaken soon:

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  • Should the antiquated steam heat system fail, the school would be forced to close the entire south building, with classes held in the north building. Board Vice President Harold Grossnnickle said to do this, classes would have be split into two sessions, one starting at 6:30 a.m. 
  • Business Administrator Tim Stys described the glass wall at the school's entrance as being "drafty," with water able to infiltrate the seals.
  • The school's air conditioning and hearing systems are dependent on having air flowing through the building, but more than 100 exhaust fans on the roofs are not working, adding to costs for heating and air conditioning.
  • Watchung Hills Operations Supervisor Roland Juliano said the roof is known to be leaking water, but how badly is unknown. He said an infrared test of the north building roof done in 2010 showed about 40 percent of the roof was leaking.    
  • The school's luchrooms were not designed to accomodate the number of students using the facilities, causing some students to have to stand in line for the majority of the lunch break.

Board members also focused on whether this was an appropriate time to propose so many projects. According to the district's Bond Attorney Lisa Gorab and Financial Advisor Mary Lyons, the combination of low rates and the district's AAA rating with credit rating services (one of only 10 in the state, Lyon said) offers an ideal combination for borrowing.

Furthermore, Stys said the district's recent refinancing saved taxpayers almost $3 million, which helps offset any impact of the referendum.

Board members will vote May 6 on whether or not to proceed with the referendum plans, including which projects will be included in the planning and if any will be placed in a second question for voters.

If the plan is approved, the board will submit the list of projects to the Department of Education for review and approval. The board will have to pass a resolution authorizing the referendum by June 17 to have a vote on Sept. 24.


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