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Friday, August 01, 2003
By Brian Arrington barrington@sjnewsco.com
WOODBURY HEIGHTS -- Residents may be asked to vote on $15 million in
renovations to Gateway Regional High School before the end of the year.
A task force of residents has recommended the Board of Education consider
a December referendum calling for $14.7 million in renovations to the
school as designed by Garrison Architects of Mt. Laurel, NJ and
Bala Cynwyd, Pa..
The task force determined more space and equipment for the science and
technology programs, roof repair, heating and air conditioning upgrades,
new flooring and additional security systems are needed in the school.
The board will hear the plan Aug. 13 and vote Sept. 10. If it passes,
the measure may be voted on by residents Dec. 9, said Superintendent
Joyce Stumpo.
The group, comprised of residents from National Park, Wenonah, Westville
and Woodbury Heights, has been meeting periodically since June 30 to
assess the needs of the only school in the district, according to Business
Administrator Edgar Keepers.
"What we've worked hard to do is assess the needs and the deficiencies
in our building," Stumpo said. "We've tried very hard to take
into good consideration all of the stake holders (teachers, taxpayers,
students and parents) in considering this proposal."
The project's $14.7 million price tag could be offset by $5.3 million
in state aid, which Stumpo said would reduce local taxes. The exact
impact on local taxes will not be known until the final project cost
and state aid is calculated.
Further details of the plan will be released in the future through fact
sheets, newsletters and public hearings.
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