HIGHTSTOWN --
In the summer, the noise of construction crews and heavy machinery
are nothing new for this regional school district, as the past few
summers here have seen a flurry of construction, landscaping and paving
projects which have often been completed just days before school opens.
This summer the district will complete what could be one of its most
ambitious projects yet: an $8 million roofing project that district
officials say they desperately need.
The district has received a $3.2 million state grant toward the project,
district officials announced Monday, the same night that the board
of education approved $2.8 million in financing for the project, for
a total of $6 million of the needed $8 million.
The remaining $2 million will be drawn from the capital reserve fund,
leaving about $600,000 in reserve for contingencies, said Superintendent
Ron Bolandi. "We've been planning this roof project for over
three years," Bo landi said, adding that the careful planning
allowed the district to fi nance the project within budget, instead
of going out on a costly vot ing referendum.
Consulting architect Bob Garrison, Jr., told the board the
$8 million estimate includes all fees and a little wiggle room, in
case any por tion of the project turns out to be a little more complicated
once under way. The materials that he is recommending, Garrison said,
all come with 20 year warranties and require minimal annual mainte
nance. "These are top rate compa nies," he said. "Roofing
is the most important aspect of our building systems."
Garrison added that the project will help bring some visual consistency
to the building, which has been patched or added onto several times
over the years.
District administrator Kurt Stumbaugh said the district still has
to have a meeting with the state regarding the project, but he anticipates
having the bidding process completed in about 60 days. Starting the
bidding process as early as possible, he said, will allow the district
to get the best prices. Though construction won't begin until the
summer, Stumbaugh said, "We are going to do as much preliminary
work as possible while the students are here." This preliminary
work would include getting materials on site and completing any necessary
inspections.
The project, which will repair or replace portions of roofs on five
of the district's six schools, is ex pected to be complete for the
2009-2010 school year.