Security Upgrade Construction Still On Hold for Twp. Schools

A large capital improvement project designed to enhance security at Washington Township school buildings is moving slower than expected after the district was forced to decline a contract bid that exceeded the budgeted amount for the work.

At a special meeting this month the board of education had to formally reject a bid – the only submitted thus far – for the construction of new entryways, or welcome vestibules to each school building. Inside the new entryways, visitors would be signed in prior to entering the actual school building.

By rejecting the bid the board is now able re-advertise for new contracts to be reviewed and ultimately accepted.

The construction of the new entryways is just one component of an enhanced security plan of which $1,178,996 has been allocated. Forty-percent of that total expenditure is from a state grant.

The base bid that was submitted by Cypreco Industries, Inc. was for $723,823 before an additional amount of $283,823 in alternate costs, according to the meeting’s agenda. The cost “substantially” exceeded the cost estimates prepared by the architect for the project, according to the district.

In addition to the new vestibules, upgrades like new security equipment (video monitors) and technology infrastructure installation is also in the planning. Since the new security strategy was devised, the district has employed part-time after-school door attendants to go along with the community members who man the same post during school hours.

New bids are now being accepted for the construction of the vestibules.