On March 12, 2019, The Glen Rock Public Schools will be holding a referendum vote to help fund 4 major projects in the schools. These projects include:
- Adding air conditioning to the 4 elementary schools
- Fixing and upgrading the Central School Auditorium
- Fixing Hamiltons field
- Upgrading the HS/MS Media center.
This referendum is priced at $14,718,320.00 bond.
Per Interim Superintendent Bruce Watson and the School Board, they are going to get approximately $4,503,430 in aid from the NJ Debt Service. That would then make the number that they have to get from the borough property taxes $10,214,890.
Per Watson, the average house in Glen Rock is worth 563,000. This will mean if this referendum passes, it will increase the annual taxes for that median priced house $175.38. This is not including the increases from the new teachers contract and other normal increases.
The referendum breakdown by project:
- Air Conditioning Upgrades:
- Byrd School – $1,522,843;
- Central School – $2,251,360;
- Coleman School – $2,743,320;
- Hamilton School – $1,949,789
- Athletic Fields Replacement: Hamilton Elementary School – $1,472,940
- Media Center Renovations: Glen Rock HS & MS – $3,231,458
- Auditorium Renovations: Central School – $1,191,610
- Construction Manager Fee Estimate – $320,000
- HVAC Commissioning Estimate – $35,000
What do these projects include:
Air Conditioning in 4 elementary Schools
The referendum includes air conditioning (AC) installation at all four elementary schools in spaces where AC systems do not currently exist. The inclusion of AC supports district initiatives to enhance the safety, health and well-being of our staff and students. The new AC will provide fresh air levels required by code. Air conditioning will allow for potential year round use for programs and/or revenue generation.
The benefits of utilizing a central AC system rather than individual AC units are: the absence of noise in the classroom, a continuation of fresh air exchange, an increase in energy efficiency, no need for electrical upgrades in each room and the ability to be controlled centrally by a Building Automation System*
Central School Auditorium:
The renovation of Central’s auditorium will feature much needed safety and accessibility improvements but will keep the character and feel of the original theatre. The updated auditorium will free up much needed community space, alleviating congestion at the HS/MS auditorium, creating an additional venue for district events.*
- new flooring
- ADA chair lift
- New seating
- Lighting
Sports Field Repairs at Alexander Hamilton Elementary School
The reconditioning of the sports field at Hamilton Elementary School will benefit not only Hamilton students but all the participants in the middle school sports and Glen Rock’s recreation programs that utilize Hamilton’s fields.*
- new grass (sod)
- Sprinkler system
- Upgraded benches
- Upgraded backstops etc.
Media Center Renovations at Glen Rock High School and Middle School
The newly updated media center will be a flexible/ collaborative work space featuring a glass partition to allow middle and high school students to use the center simultaneously. The redesigned space will not only feature one large flexible classroom which will consist of an adjustable partition allowing for two sectioned classrooms, but also will convert an existing computer lab into a state-of-the-art television/broadcasting studio and a cutting-edge makerspace classroom, creating collaborative work spaces for learning and exploring.
When asked about the media center, Watson confirmed that the choice to do the media center was influenced but the air quality tests done 2 years ago.
During the referendum meeting at Central School, a resident asked why it was not put as 4 separate items? Board of Education member Megan Findley, the question was asked stated “They looked at several different options. They felt that one line would the best way be to do it and they chose to lump it all in one.”
For more information on the vote, please go to www.glenrocknj.org/referendum/ Also watch the video at the top of this article to see the current conditions.
* Direct information from \www.glenrocknj.org/referendum/frequently_asked_questions
