Air Conditioning Upgrades Underway At Bridgewater-Raritan Elementary Schools

BRIDGEWATER, NJ — A wide range of summer referendum projects are continuing to move forward, with several Bridgewater-Raritan schools on track for work tied to the September school year start.

Superintendent Robert Beers provided an update to the Board of Education at the July 21 meeting, which covered electrical upgrades, HVAC installation, classroom renovations, restroom work and building additions across the district.

According to Beers, Hamilton, JFK and Van Holten were scheduled for electrical upgrades and work needed to complete HVAC systems so air conditioning can be supplied by September.

Van Holten's electrical work has been completed and service has been restored, while Hamilton was shut down on Tuesday. Beers said the district is was still awaiting a firm date for JFK.

Beers also reported progress on window replacements at the middle school and Hillside, saying both projects are largely complete.

At the middle school, the sixth-grade addition has reached the point where administrators and contractors are planning to meet the following Tuesday to review a punch list.

The remaining work there includes cleaning and waxing floors and installing furniture.

"We are not just on schedule, but maybe ahead of schedule," said Beers.

Beers said he also expects to discuss plans for a ribbon-cutting for the new middle school addition.

Related work on the sanitary line replacement under the kitchen and Cafeteria B is continuing, with a trench open in the cafeteria and new sanitary pipe already laid.

Elsewhere at the middle school, interior renovations are underway in 12 classrooms.

Beers said the classroom renovation work is one of the biggest remaining pushes of the summer to make sure rooms are ready for students in September.

At Bradley Gardens, officials said the addition remains on track for completion in September for the start of school.

Restroom renovations at six primary schools and the Eisenhower classroom renovation were also reported to be on schedule this summer.

Beers also updated the board on HVAC and electrical work at Adamsville, Bradley Gardens and Crim.

Adamsville has completed its electrical upgrade and is now having HVAC units installed in classrooms.

At Bradley Gardens, work was described as well underway, while at Crim, the district said the main remaining step is a service shutoff and re-energizing by PSE&G.

Knock on wood, we like to believe right now we're in a good spot to open everything up come September," said Beers.

The district will continue updating the board and public on developments.

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