Princeton Takes Next Step To Begin School Referendum Upgrades

PRINCETON, NJ — Princeton Public Schools is one step closer to the start of its school facilities referendum projects.

The Board of Education approved a contract to appoint Piscataway-based firm Epic Management, Inc. (“EPIC”) as its construction manager during their Feb. 26 meeting.

Voters approved the $26.9 million bond referendum on Dec. 11, 2018 to address the aging buildings in the school district.

EPIC will oversee the pre-construction, construction, and post-construction and close-out phases of the progects and work cooperatively with the architects and engineers — while reporting directly to the District and Board.

The board interviewed a total of four other firms for the position. EPIC, which presented the least expensive proposal, demonstrated the largest amount of school construction experience, having managed more $4 billion of school construction projects, according to the district.

"EPIC not only exhibited a detailed understanding of the referendum projects but also of our town and of our schools," stated Superintendent Steve Cochrane. "They expressed how important it would be to place the current referendum in a broader framework that includes possible future projects, so as not to duplicate efforts. They also recognized that the construction will be taking place in residential neighborhoods, and they proactively addressed issues related to parking, traffic, site cleanliness, student safety and impact on learning. They were the only firm to bring two site managers to the interview, both of whom were impressive in their experience and their willingness to communicate regularly with the Board, with our architects and with our building administrators."

The referendum looks to address security concerns or HVAC needs as none of the school district's buildings were designed to address it, according to Cochrane. (See Related: Princeton Schools Breaks Down Plan For $26.9M Bond Referendum)

Specifically the referendum would install secure entryways at every building, upgrade or add the HVAC system and also create more learning space for the growing class sizes.

Here is a break down of the proposed renovations:

Elementary School:

• HVAC upgrades (cafeterias and classrooms)
• Littlebrook: AC added to 23 classrooms
• Riverside: AC added to 16 classrooms, blackbox
• Johnson Park: AC added to 27 classrooms
• Community Park: AC added to 24 classrooms
• Security: secure entries, visitor management
• Accessibility: door hardware, signage
• Electrical service upgrades, additional distribution
• Littlebrook library upgrades
• Littlebrook and Riverside Schools: Control doors to restrict travel through building

Middle School:

• HVAC upgrades (cafeteria and classrooms)
• AC will be added to 44 rooms (incl. 38 classrooms)
• Security: secure entry, visitor management
• Electrical service upgrades, additional distribution
• C to E wing covered connector
• Renovation of old library to one classroom, one small group room, and expansion of nurse’s area
• Acoustic upgrades (cafeteria and commons)
• Added pull-in parking along Franklin Ave.
• Fields:New infield mix/backstops/dugouts
• Scoreboard and Water access at fields

High School:

• Gym AC, boiler upgrade, elevator upgrade
• Selective HVAC control/system upgrades
• Security: secure entry, visitor management
• Electrical service upgrades, fire alarm repair
• Mitigate water issues at auditorium wing
• Guidance renovation and Distributed dining (bookstore)
• Fitness center (new second level), wrestling, fencing areas
• Four additional classrooms, commons, elevator, stair
• Athletics: Concession/bathrooms/water at fields
• Tennis court drainage, lacrosse safety net
• Basketball backboards

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