New Details Released On Why Woodbridge Is Not Building A New Avenel Elementary

WOODBRIDGE, NJ — Last week, the Woodbridge school district announced it is not moving forward on construction of a new Avenel Elementary School, as project costs have skyrocketed by more than $15 million due to inflation and supply-chain costs of raw materials.

Now on Wednesday, superintendent Dr. Joseph Massimino revealed more information on this topic:

The school district never technically took ownership of the six-acre property on Rahway Avenue where the new elementary school would have been located. The land is still owned by Woodbridge Township. Woodbridge Twp. has unnamed plans for the site.

Roughly 18 months ago, site work did begin on the six-acre pad slated to be the new home of Avenel Elementary School. The district has spent approximately $2.5 million so far for architectural design plans, engineering services, site exploration, legal fees and various permits.

"Recently the architects from AECOM who were handling the construction of the new school informed the Board of Education that they could not complete the project as originally budgeted," said Massimino in a letter home to Woodbridge parents Wednesday. "AECOM stated there would need to be an additional revenue source and the design of the building would also have to be radically changed and downsized. The Board was further informed that the increases in project costs dramatically changed due to the inflationary cycle that has gripped our national economy. The situation is exacerbated when considering the supply chain issues obtaining steel, lumber, and other building supplies as well as interior fit-out items for this construction."

"Ultimately, the $35 million budget that was set 30 months ago for the new Avenel Elementary School has grown to approximately $45 million as of today with estimates closer to $50 million by the time construction would be completed," said the superintendent. "We do not feel comfortable asking Woodbridge taxpayers to pass a referendum for the additional spending of nearly $15 million."

The remaining funds will now be dedicated to the new construction and renovations at the site of the current Avenel Street Elementary School.

The school building will remain open while construction is done to improve the gymnasium and cafeteria, and adding several new classrooms.

Parette Somjen Architects was approved by the Woodbridge BOE at the Sept. 22 meeting to be the new architects for the project.

Prior: Due To Inflation Costs, Woodbridge Not Building New Avenel Elementary