The NJDOE is covering approximately 22.42% of
the total project costs. Can you clarify the 22.42% vs. the original 24%?
The original amount was 24%
at the time of the initial presentation and filming of our video; since then
the NJDOE withdrew funds allocated to the athletic field upgrades. The
district, along with our engineer, appealed the decision but were unsuccessful.
The district has updated corresponding documentation to reflect the 22%.
When
will this work be done? I do not want it being done during the school day.
The majority of the projects
will kickoff during the summer of 2027 with most HVAC projects being completed
then. Other projects, such as the Fernwood Locker Rooms and High School BAS
will take longer to complete and will flow into the school year, but all
contractor work will be completed 2nd shift to avoid any instructional
disruptions. The Slaybaugh Primary Addition may be the lone project that will
occur during the school day.
What
classes are going in the locker room areas at Fernwood? This area is very
secluded from the rest of the building.
The classrooms are being
created for expansion and are not necessarily assigned to specific classes yet.
The configuration will be look different than it does now, so while the
classrooms are past the main gym, there will be a clear line of sight that will
continue from the current gym hallway through to the last classroom.
Will there be windows in the new classrooms at
Fernwood?
Yes, the three new classrooms
will have windows.
Do
they have a visual representation of what the floor plan would look like for
the new classrooms at Fernwood?
The district
has a preliminary drawing of the space that was submitted to the NJDOE. The
final layout and use of the rooms will be determined during the development of
the construction specifications. The preliminary drawing will be displayed at
the Town Hall meeting and then posted on the website.
You
say this is not going to increase our taxes if we vote yes, but will taxes go
down since the current referendum is almost paid?
The district is replacing expiring debt with this referendum, keeping the tax levy at the same level for the next four years. The district will make final payment on a previously issued bond in 2030, therefore reducing the tax levy in 2031. If the referendum is not approved; then taxpayers would see a decrease in 2027 instead of 2031.
Why can't the district continue using the Bargaintown Preschool?
The current Bargaintown Preschool is serving a huge purpose to the community, but it is not conducive to an excellent learning environment. Some examples include classroom walls not meeting the ceiling, interior classrooms without windows, and the lighting is not separated by classroom. There is one small playground available for all classrooms to utilize and the parking is not designed for parent pick-up/drop-off.