A detailed presentation was delivered regarding the state of the district’s facilities, spearheaded by the business administrator and facilities director, Michael K. He stressed the importance of maintaining a secure and nurturing environment, emphasizing, “Without a safe, nurturing environment, it’s hard to accomplish our mission.” He provided a historical overview of the district’s buildings, noting the oldest structure is from 1890, currently used as administrative offices, followed by the Elizabeth Haddon School built in 1913.

The district has completed several significant projects over the past eight years, funded by a $35 million referendum passed in 2016. These projects aimed at addressing urgent building safety needs. Notable improvements included a $1.2 million addition to a specific wing of the high school and various bathroom renovations funded by federal aid. Michael K. highlighted the facilities team’s focus on general building improvements and preventative maintenance, mentioning their in-house capabilities which reduce the need for outsourcing work.

A primary concern raised during the meeting was the difficulty in meeting educational adequacy standards, which are becoming increasingly stringent. This new system uses QR codes to track maintenance activities, thereby enhancing efficiency. A resolution to award a contract for elevator renovations was anticipated, with the work expected to commence by June 2025. Additional projects include the installation of a turf field at Hopkins and potential roof replacements at both the high school and Tatum.

The board also delved into an energy savings plan under review by the Board of Public Utilities (BPU), involving an investment-grade audit by Honeywell. The plan aims to improve HVAC systems and upgrade lighting, with a focus on measuring and verifying projected savings. Updated budget estimates have shifted from $2.8 to $3.5 million to more recent projections of $3.2 million to $4.8 million. Extensive LED lighting upgrades and transitioning old pneumatic controls to Direct Digital Controls (DDC) were among the measures considered. The board was informed that solar energy integration is currently not viable due to factors like roof shading and existing warranties.

Concerns about the high school’s air conditioning were prominently featured, with several public comments expressing frustration over the prolonged lack of cooling since early July. One speaker emphasized that temperatures had reached the mid-80s, describing the conditions as “unsafe” for students, especially on the third floor. The speaker urged the board to prioritize immediate repairs over waiting for external programs or funding. This urgency was echoed in the meeting, stressing the importance of reliable climate control within the school.

Additionally, the board discussed results from a climate survey administered to students, faculty, staff, and parents. The survey, with an 18% response rate, revealed that 82% of students felt a sense of belonging at school. However, a decline in student engagement from elementary to high school levels was noted, aligning with national trends. Teacher-student relationships received a 75% favorability rating, with 70% of students expressing excitement about their teachers. Concerns about student workload and stress were also highlighted, prompting discussions on better supporting students in these areas.

The meeting included discussions on infrastructure projects, such as the ongoing construction of a crosswalk in front of the high school, expected to be completed by the start of the school year. Air conditioning issues were also addressed, with updates indicating a contractor visit to repair malfunctioning units. The board emphasized the need for redundant cooling systems.

Policy updates were another key topic, particularly regarding student handbooks and job descriptions. Changes were proposed to modernize procedures, such as allowing email communication for signing students out. The board also discussed updating job descriptions to reflect current roles more accurately, emphasizing the need for clarity and relevance.

This initiative aims to provide a more cost-effective and evidence-based approach to gathering feedback.