$82M In Needed Construction Estimated At Bernards Township Schools

BASKING RIDGE, NJ — Bernards Township school officials say the district is looking at 104 projects over the next 10 years, with an estimated cost of about $82 million.

Officials plan to begin a public discussion later this month about how to pay for the work without raising taxes.

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At the Sept. 14 Board of Education meeting, Business Administrator Jim Rollo said the district expanded beyond a typical five-year facilities plan to look 10 years ahead.

He said the project list was compiled by the facilities director, an outside engineering firm and two architectural firms.

Only a few projects involve instructional spaces, while most are basic building needs such as roofs, HVAC systems, boilers and elevators, said Rollo.

"It's not really a wish list. It's kind of stuff that we really have to do," Rollo said.

He said the district's architectural estimate is $82 million and includes built-in escalators because a project completed in year eight would cost more than the same project in year one or two.

Projects identified for next summer include HVAC work at Mount Prospect and possibly Oak Street, more HVAC work at the Board of Education offices, and parking and site planning at the high school.

Rollo said the district is reviewing needs through health and safety and energy efficiency lenses as utility costs continue to rise.

To help with costs, Rollo said the district is looking at alternate revenue streams such as advertising and naming rights, including a recently approved contract tied to recurring advertising or naming rights revenue for the varsity field.

On the operating budget, Rollo said the district started this budget cycle early with a hiring freeze and close review of positions.

He said health benefits are now the largest uncontrollable factor affecting the operating budget and are being reviewed monthly.

To involve the community in the 10-year plan, Superintendent Kristen Fox said the district will kick off a listening tour with a BT Connect meeting during the second half of the board meeting on Sept. 28.

The session will begin broader discussions about the long-range capital plan and financing over at least 10 years in a tax-neutral way.

"We look forward to a lot of you coming out, hearing about the projects and hearing about the needs, as well as you having the opportunity to share what you believe the needs are, and also maybe the wants," Fox said.

Board member Kevin Molinari, who serves as the Facilities & Operations Committee Chairperson, said the Sept. 28 discussion will cover funding options, including bonding and capital expenditures, and how the work could be financed without adding to the community's tax burden.

The meeting is expected to serve as the next public step in shaping the district's long-range facilities plan.

The BT Connect meeting will be held on Monday, Sept. 28 and will begin immediately after the Board of Education meeting around 8 p.m. at Ridge High School Cafeteria.

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