GTBOE Approves $4.9 Million Roof For Ann Mullen Middle School

GLOUCESTER TOWNSHIP, NJ — The Gloucester Township Board of Education unanimously approved the installation of a new $4,769,099.20 roof for the Ann Mullen Middle School Monday night, but not before hearing concerns from members of the public and members of the board who struggled with their decision.

“I am seriously torn on this,” said Board Member Jennifer O’Donnell, who asked earlier in the meeting if the amount could be changed. “I have children who attend the school, and I sympathize with the teachers.”

In asking if the final cost could be changed, O’Donnell voiced concerns about two line items, including $581,359 for safety precautions and $20,800 for sweeping. Waterproof Technologies, Inc., (Tremco) including both items in their contract, but Blackwood-based roofer Harry Landis pointed out during the public comment portion of the meeting that many contractors cover those costs themselves.

Waterproof Technologies acquired the contract through a no-bid process. There was no alternative bid, so the contract had to be accepted as a whole.

Superintendent of Schools John Bilodeau said there was another bidder during the process, and Waterproof Technologies was chosen because their bid was cheaper. He also said that the cost per square foot was cheaper than a project performed on two other roofs in the district about a decade ago.

The new roof is needed because there are leaks in the current roof. According to Bilodeau, there are 86 leaks in the roof, and some teachers at the meeting expressed concern about the health of the students and of themselves due to mold.

One teacher said the situation had to be dealt with sooner than later before the situation turns into “another Williamstown.” Six schools in the Monroe Township Public School District, including Williamstown High School and Williamstown Middle School, temporarily closed in the fall due to air quality concerns after mold was discovered.

Those who questioned the proposal said they understood those concerns, but said they felt the project could have been finished at a cheaper rate. Members of the public have also questioned whether there is a relation between the installation of the solar panels in 2013 and the ensuing leaks, but the district said there are only six leaks in the area where the solar panels were installed.

The solar panels were installed at about the same time the district first mentioned the roofs were leaking, and resident Ray Polidoro asked how it was determined that the roofs were fit to have solar panels put on them at the time. He was also concerned about additional costs for removing the solar panels so the roof could be replaced.

In voting to approve the measure, O’Donnell said she felt the whole process could’ve been handled a lot better, and that she would make sure her part was handled better in the future.

“This vote was tough,” Board Member Mark Gallo said. “If it were my house, I wouldn’t prolong the process and endanger my family. I’d still get it done.”

The final vote was 7-0, with two board members absent.

“This was a difficult decision to make and I hope I’m never in this position again,” Board Member MaryAnn Johnson said. “We have needed these roofs for years. I’m voting yes for this, but I hope I never have to do this again.”

Patch file photo