RBR's Auditorium Gets a Facelift

Despite difficult economic conditions, a state grant and saved up district capital funds allowed  to improve their auditorium this summer, providing for the replacement of 280 orchestra-level seats, carpeting and wallpaper.

State legislators Senator Jennifer Beck, Assemblyman Declan O’Scanlon and Assemblywoman Caroline Casagrande (all R-12) visited the school Monday to observe the improvements.

“With the exception of some paint and wallpaper, the auditorium/theater had not been updated since the building’s opening in 1974," said RBR Superintendent Jim Stefankiewicz. 

The $244,731 project was paid for by RBR's district capital reserve funds and a $80,116 Regular Operating District (ROD) grant from the New Jersey School Development Authority.

"Our Board of Education maintains a long range facilities plan implemented by our Facilities Committee which continually identifies facility needs," said RBR Business Administrator Tina Galvao. "Therefore, when a grant opportunity such as ROD becomes available we are able to quickly apply.” 

Galvao also expressed the district's gratitude to the state for making such grants available.

"We were delighted to refurbish our auditorium/theatre, which receives constant use due to our very active Visual and Performing Arts Academy. The ROD grant, combined with monies accrued in our capital reserve fund (which is dedicated to facility projects) enables us to maintain our school facilities in a difficult financial environment.” 

RBR's phone and intercom systems will also be modernized to allow for communication between classrooms and the main office. The $100,642 upgrades are aided by a $30,257 ROD grant and scheduled for completion by early 2012.