Residents, neighbors, parents and kids are invited to the official ribbon cutting ceremony at Hawes School Wednesday night 9/14. The event begins at 7:00 p.m. I haven't seen the new addition at Hawes since back in March or so...can't wait to see how it all turned out.
This is the addition that was funded as part of the 2009 bond referendum. Other projects include the addition at Ridge School (not going as quickly, different contractor, different challenges), additions at Willard and GW (in progress), the RHS fields (need to be repaired) and lots of important but not-so-obvious work at RHS, BF and other schools.
Showing posts with label facilities. Show all posts
Showing posts with label facilities. Show all posts
Monday, September 12, 2011
Monday, April 4, 2011
Referendum projects under budget...what does it mean?
At tonight's Board of Ed meeting, Dr. Fishbein updated us on the status of the referendum projects. As of last week, the final bids have been opened. We are currently still running at approx. $2 million under budget. (So-called "soft costs" still need to be calculated.) This leads me to share some info that I sent to a resident earlier today, in response to a question: what will the Board do with the leftover funds?
Once all the referendum projects are complete and closed out (ETA April 2013), the Board will basically have two options:
1. Spending unused referendum monies on projects "not specified in the referendum." If the projects are "within the scope" of the referendum, the BOE can decide to go ahead and do them. If they are not "within the scope," then the BOE would need voter approval first. For example, the BOE could repair an additional roof at BF, because the referendum included roofs at BF. But the BOE could not use the money to upgrade the library at RHS (without asking the voters), because the scope of the referendum did not include renovating the library at RHS.
2. Return the unused referendum monies to the taxpayer. This would most likely be done by applying the funds to the annual debt service portion of the taxes we collect, and would only provide tax relief in that given year. For example: every year, the tax revenue we receive includes a portion that is used to pay our debt service for all the outstanding bonds -- not just the most recent referendum -- on which we make payments. In the 2011-12 budget, that amount of debt service taxes is $3,173,000. In 2013 when any unused referendum money becomes available, the BOE will not be allowed to apply the funds to the outstanding principal, nor can the bonds be called (not until at least 2020).
Another bit of (helpful) information -- I believe the decision as to what do with unused referendum funds must be "all or nothing." For example, the Board would not be allowed to apply some to projects and some to debt service.
All this info was in response to a resident's question, which was as a candidate for re-election, which of the two options will I favor. My answer to that question was: I cannot in good conscience predict what I would favor in April 2013. It will depend on what is happening with the District's overall budget, education needs, and facilities needs at that time. A lot can happen in two years. There can also be different people on the BOE. I can say that if I'm there, I would be open to any option and I would want to have a robust public discussion, all of us in the community together. I'm sorry my answer wasn't one of the two choices, but it is my honest and sincere belief. I think it would be irresponsible for me to make a more pointed prediction now.
One last note: Dr. Fishbein noted that work on the GW Middle School addition will officially begin tomorrow, and work at Willard begins next week! The Ridge and Hawes additions are coming along great. Many other projects are completed or in-process. It has been so great to see these projects through, and to see the differences in our facilities. This work truly will benefit the children of Ridgewood and the community for generations.
Once all the referendum projects are complete and closed out (ETA April 2013), the Board will basically have two options:
1. Spending unused referendum monies on projects "not specified in the referendum." If the projects are "within the scope" of the referendum, the BOE can decide to go ahead and do them. If they are not "within the scope," then the BOE would need voter approval first. For example, the BOE could repair an additional roof at BF, because the referendum included roofs at BF. But the BOE could not use the money to upgrade the library at RHS (without asking the voters), because the scope of the referendum did not include renovating the library at RHS.
2. Return the unused referendum monies to the taxpayer. This would most likely be done by applying the funds to the annual debt service portion of the taxes we collect, and would only provide tax relief in that given year. For example: every year, the tax revenue we receive includes a portion that is used to pay our debt service for all the outstanding bonds -- not just the most recent referendum -- on which we make payments. In the 2011-12 budget, that amount of debt service taxes is $3,173,000. In 2013 when any unused referendum money becomes available, the BOE will not be allowed to apply the funds to the outstanding principal, nor can the bonds be called (not until at least 2020).
Another bit of (helpful) information -- I believe the decision as to what do with unused referendum funds must be "all or nothing." For example, the Board would not be allowed to apply some to projects and some to debt service.
All this info was in response to a resident's question, which was as a candidate for re-election, which of the two options will I favor. My answer to that question was: I cannot in good conscience predict what I would favor in April 2013. It will depend on what is happening with the District's overall budget, education needs, and facilities needs at that time. A lot can happen in two years. There can also be different people on the BOE. I can say that if I'm there, I would be open to any option and I would want to have a robust public discussion, all of us in the community together. I'm sorry my answer wasn't one of the two choices, but it is my honest and sincere belief. I think it would be irresponsible for me to make a more pointed prediction now.
One last note: Dr. Fishbein noted that work on the GW Middle School addition will officially begin tomorrow, and work at Willard begins next week! The Ridge and Hawes additions are coming along great. Many other projects are completed or in-process. It has been so great to see these projects through, and to see the differences in our facilities. This work truly will benefit the children of Ridgewood and the community for generations.
Thursday, March 24, 2011
What have I done?
Someone asked me today to "bullet point" some of what I've been up to during my time on the Board of Education Here's a quick snapshot:
I have been a member of the Communications and Facilities Committees all three years, as well as the BOE liaison to the Fields Committee. I am also a member of the Board’s Negotiating Committee in our current negotiations with the REA.
In terms of communications, I’ve worked on implementing the District’s new website and Skyward systems, helped with communications on the budget and referendum, where we instituted more public meetings and public input than ever before…I also worked with the committee on the parent survey which we started last year and will repeat this spring…I’m proud of that survey experience, as that was one of the goals I talked about during my campaign three years ago.
I have worked hard on my personal communications as a Board member, writing this blog for three years, and incorporating social media like Facebook and Twitter to dialogue with residents.
On Facilities, I -– and the committee -- worked hard on first prioritizing facilities needs and designing the referendum projects, then explaining the needs and the referendum to the community and now reviewing and monitoring the projects on a regular basis.
On the Fields Committee, I have represented the BOE (and our constituents, including students, parents, staff or neighbors) to the committee in discussions and work, and I’ve reported in detail back to the full Board to ensure all BOE members are educated and informed regarding fields issues.
As a member of the Board’s Negotiation Team, currently in negotiations with the REA, I’m excited by the potential and opportunity that contract negotiations represent – for both “sides.” Obviously I can’t speak to any specifics regarding negotiations (they are confidential), but I can say that my (and the Board’s) goal is a productive negotiation process that results in an agreement that is mutually satisfactory to the BOE, the membership of the REA, and the community, and that meets the needs of our students. I will work tirelessly to fulfill my responsibility to our students and taxpayers.
Other than those committee highlights, I have not missed a Board meeting and I've only missed committee meetings when there was a rare conflict with my "real" job. I thoroughly prepare for every meeting, I receive and respond to questions from the community, I attend several HSA meetings and the Federated HSA meeting each month, and I love more than anything attending school events throughout the District, such as International Day at Hawes, Celebration of Learning at Orchard, the Ridge Restaurant, the BF Turkey Trot and more. My very favorite thing is watching our students and teachers at work...it still gives me chills any time I can spend some time in a classroom. That is what it's all about.
I have been a member of the Communications and Facilities Committees all three years, as well as the BOE liaison to the Fields Committee. I am also a member of the Board’s Negotiating Committee in our current negotiations with the REA.
In terms of communications, I’ve worked on implementing the District’s new website and Skyward systems, helped with communications on the budget and referendum, where we instituted more public meetings and public input than ever before…I also worked with the committee on the parent survey which we started last year and will repeat this spring…I’m proud of that survey experience, as that was one of the goals I talked about during my campaign three years ago.
I have worked hard on my personal communications as a Board member, writing this blog for three years, and incorporating social media like Facebook and Twitter to dialogue with residents.
On Facilities, I -– and the committee -- worked hard on first prioritizing facilities needs and designing the referendum projects, then explaining the needs and the referendum to the community and now reviewing and monitoring the projects on a regular basis.
On the Fields Committee, I have represented the BOE (and our constituents, including students, parents, staff or neighbors) to the committee in discussions and work, and I’ve reported in detail back to the full Board to ensure all BOE members are educated and informed regarding fields issues.
As a member of the Board’s Negotiation Team, currently in negotiations with the REA, I’m excited by the potential and opportunity that contract negotiations represent – for both “sides.” Obviously I can’t speak to any specifics regarding negotiations (they are confidential), but I can say that my (and the Board’s) goal is a productive negotiation process that results in an agreement that is mutually satisfactory to the BOE, the membership of the REA, and the community, and that meets the needs of our students. I will work tirelessly to fulfill my responsibility to our students and taxpayers.
Other than those committee highlights, I have not missed a Board meeting and I've only missed committee meetings when there was a rare conflict with my "real" job. I thoroughly prepare for every meeting, I receive and respond to questions from the community, I attend several HSA meetings and the Federated HSA meeting each month, and I love more than anything attending school events throughout the District, such as International Day at Hawes, Celebration of Learning at Orchard, the Ridge Restaurant, the BF Turkey Trot and more. My very favorite thing is watching our students and teachers at work...it still gives me chills any time I can spend some time in a classroom. That is what it's all about.
Thursday, March 3, 2011
Let the sun shine?
At last Monday's Board of Ed meeting, a Ridgewood resident presented a proposal for installing solar panels on several school buildings. The resident owns a solar company, Verterra. Basically, the plan would be for the company to install panels on seven schools -- those that have ideal building locations, roof conditions, etc. The schools with feasible set-ups are: Travell, Orchard, Hawes, RHS, BF Middle School, Somerville and GW Middle School. You'll notice that these are basically the schools with the most flat roof area. Other buildings are not on the list because their roofs are too sloped (Willard, Ed Center) or their roofs are older and are slated for replacement in the next 3-5 years (Ridge, Glen).
The basic proposal is that Verterra installs the panels on the roofs. Verterra owns the panels and is responsible for all installation, upkeep, repair, cleaning, etc. Verterra then sells the power generated by the panels to the school district, at a rate that is lower than we pay to PSE&G.
Why don't we just install panels ourselves and generate our own power? The cost to install solar panels is expensive. Recent estimates have shown that it would take 15 years or so for the panels to pay for themselves -- and then they could need to be replaced or at least updated, at additional cost. It's true that the government --both state and federal -- have incentive plans for solar, but those plans' benefits are in tax credits. If you're a school district -- we don't pay federal or state tax -- then the subsidies and tax credits wouldn't do us any good. Instead, a company like Verterra gets the tax credits, is able to sell us power at a more attractive rate, and still makes their own profit.
How much money could the school district save? Not that much. Approx. $25,000 to $50,000 per year. That's not nothing, but it's not a tremendous savings. You don't undertake a project like this solely for the financial savings. But there are other benefits -- doing the right thing for the planet, being good "green" citizens, modeling eco-smart behavior for our students, as well as creating learning opportunities for kids. Through a web-based "dashboard" or kiosks in the schools, Verterra is able to provide functionality that would let students monitor the panels in real-time, to see how much power is being generated, and use real data from our system to learn about energy. That's a neat benefit as well.
The proposal is being evaluated by the administration and Board. More info to come.
The basic proposal is that Verterra installs the panels on the roofs. Verterra owns the panels and is responsible for all installation, upkeep, repair, cleaning, etc. Verterra then sells the power generated by the panels to the school district, at a rate that is lower than we pay to PSE&G.
Why don't we just install panels ourselves and generate our own power? The cost to install solar panels is expensive. Recent estimates have shown that it would take 15 years or so for the panels to pay for themselves -- and then they could need to be replaced or at least updated, at additional cost. It's true that the government --both state and federal -- have incentive plans for solar, but those plans' benefits are in tax credits. If you're a school district -- we don't pay federal or state tax -- then the subsidies and tax credits wouldn't do us any good. Instead, a company like Verterra gets the tax credits, is able to sell us power at a more attractive rate, and still makes their own profit.
How much money could the school district save? Not that much. Approx. $25,000 to $50,000 per year. That's not nothing, but it's not a tremendous savings. You don't undertake a project like this solely for the financial savings. But there are other benefits -- doing the right thing for the planet, being good "green" citizens, modeling eco-smart behavior for our students, as well as creating learning opportunities for kids. Through a web-based "dashboard" or kiosks in the schools, Verterra is able to provide functionality that would let students monitor the panels in real-time, to see how much power is being generated, and use real data from our system to learn about energy. That's a neat benefit as well.
The proposal is being evaluated by the administration and Board. More info to come.
Monday, February 28, 2011
Solar power on the agenda tonight.
I forgot to mention in my previous post regarding tonight's agenda, that the Board will be hearing a presentation about a solar power program for our schools. We've been discussing the plan in the Facilities Committee for several months, so I'm looking forward to a conversation with the full Board and with the public. Stay tuned...
Saturday, September 18, 2010
"The rat" will be visiting Ridge School.
According to a letter sent by Dr. Fishbein to Ridge School parents, a construction union has been issued a permit to display the union's inflatable rat on Monday in front of Ridge School.
The letter continues: "The construction union is demonstrating against our contractor and his subs because they do not employ union labor. This is not a district issue. It is the district's responsibility by law to accept a contractor's payroll report that certifies that union wages are being paid. The Ridgewood district does not issue any payments until that requirement is satisfied. To date, all contractors working in the Ridgewood Public Schools have met that requirement."
You may have seen the rat recently at Valley Hospital or the Ridgewood Country Club. I saw it...and at those locations it was accompanied by a coffin holding a small, baseball-cap-wearing mannequin. While it is the union's right to exercise their freedom of speech, I sincerely hope there is not a coffin outside Ridge School, to frighten children.
Any questions, please contact Dr. Fishbein's office at 201-670-2700 ext. 10530 or email dfishbein@ridgewood.k12.nj.us.
The letter continues: "The construction union is demonstrating against our contractor and his subs because they do not employ union labor. This is not a district issue. It is the district's responsibility by law to accept a contractor's payroll report that certifies that union wages are being paid. The Ridgewood district does not issue any payments until that requirement is satisfied. To date, all contractors working in the Ridgewood Public Schools have met that requirement."
You may have seen the rat recently at Valley Hospital or the Ridgewood Country Club. I saw it...and at those locations it was accompanied by a coffin holding a small, baseball-cap-wearing mannequin. While it is the union's right to exercise their freedom of speech, I sincerely hope there is not a coffin outside Ridge School, to frighten children.
Any questions, please contact Dr. Fishbein's office at 201-670-2700 ext. 10530 or email dfishbein@ridgewood.k12.nj.us.
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
Detailed referendum projects update (with photos!).
At last night's Board of Education meeting, representatives of our architect (LAN Associates) and construction management company (EPIC Construction) presented a detailed update of the referendum projects which have been completed, are in-progress right now, or are still to come.
A tremendous amount of work has ben done. (But then you may know that, if you've been trying to navigate the trucks, dumpsters, construction barriers, etc., all summer.
Click on the link below to download and view PDFs of the presentation and photos.
Some of my favorite photos you'll see:
-- Overhead drawing of the RHS roof showing just how much has been replaced;
-- Glen School window wall: before & after
-- Massive concrete slab at Hawes new addition
-- Mess of wires which was discovered inside the Ridge ceiling (and which then required the entire school to be completely rewired)
-- Willard School 2nd floor addition drawings
Referendum Update presented by Epic Management and LAN Associates at the 09-13-10 Board meeting.
Status Report - Athletic Field Projects presented by M. Disko at the 09-13-10 Board meeting.
A tremendous amount of work has ben done. (But then you may know that, if you've been trying to navigate the trucks, dumpsters, construction barriers, etc., all summer.
Click on the link below to download and view PDFs of the presentation and photos.
Some of my favorite photos you'll see:
-- Overhead drawing of the RHS roof showing just how much has been replaced;
-- Glen School window wall: before & after
-- Massive concrete slab at Hawes new addition
-- Mess of wires which was discovered inside the Ridge ceiling (and which then required the entire school to be completely rewired)
-- Willard School 2nd floor addition drawings
Referendum Update presented by Epic Management and LAN Associates at the 09-13-10 Board meeting.
Status Report - Athletic Field Projects presented by M. Disko at the 09-13-10 Board meeting.
Monday, September 13, 2010
News from the BOE
What's that? You didn't watch tonight's meeting on webcast or on Cablevision Channel 77? Here's a little bit of what we covered:
Dr. Fishbein presented the Opening of School Report, the key fact of which was how much the District's enrollment has grown since last year.
Enrollment Figures as of 9/10/10*
(9/09 figures are in parentheses)
Glen (36) 44 +8
Hawes (408) 409 +1
Orchard (323) 340 +17
Ridge (478) 496 +18
Somerville (533) 540 +7
Travell (410) 408 -2
Willard (456) 501 +45
TOTAL ELEMENTARY (2,644) 2738 +94
BFMS (687) 694 +7
GWMS (675) 693 +18
TOTAL MIDDLE SCHOOL (1,362) 1387 +25
RHS (1,666) 1692 +26
Total Enrollment (5672) 5817 +145
*These numbers can be expected to change a little still, as families who moved away are removed from the rolls.
Also at last night's meeting, Dr. Fishbein recognized Jane Blakely, who was the recipient of the 2010 Ashby Award for her contributions to Ridgewood High School over the past 26 years.
Michele Lenhard read a list of all donors to the Ridgewood Public Schools for the 2009-10 year. It's a long list (maybe I'll post it here later), but the total was $546,695. That's amazing! Thank you, Ridgewood!
The Board's new Student Representative, Max Z., reported on the opening of the high school. Bottom line: the new lockers are a big hit.
We had a great presentation from our architect, engineer, and construction managers on the status of various referendum and capital projects throughout the District. The detailed report, complete with photos, amounts spent and percent complete, will be posted on the website, hopefully tomorrow. I'll post a link when it's there.
Business Administrator Angelo DeSimone presented the reorganization of the IT (formerly MIS) Department and described some of the many projects that department has been busy with all summer. Right now, the big effort is in getting all students and families set-up in Skyward, the new student information system. There were some "glitches" with the initial mailing of instructional letters to parents: apparently there were old, out-of-date address still existing in the old SASI system, and they were mistakenly imported into Skyward. So about 250-300 letters were unable to be delivered, and those parents are having to correct their information (and prove residency, if their address has changed). It's definitely a lot of work for everyone (including parents), but they are working through it and the system is going to be a huge improvement once it's all in place.
Mr. DeSimone also spoke about many hardware projects completed or currently underway, including replacing 350+ computers and upgrading our wireless internet service. When it's complete, there will be full wireless service in every school -- no more hot spots or dead zones. And, I was glad to hear that students will be able to access the internet eventually, once they can install good firewalls that can't be hacked, with students trying to get in and change grades, etc. Full wireless access in our schools -- especially the high school -- will be a great step forward in terms of our students' connected learning.
Sheila Brogan gave a legislative update, and said the Obama administration has announced a third round of Race to the Top grants -- will the third time be the charm for New Jersey?
Finally, Regina Botsford reported that, while we are waiting for official scores, it appears that Hawes Special Ed students may not have met AYP (Annual Yearly Progress) in Language Arts, which would place Hawes on the "Early Warning List." I'll write more in the next few days about what this means, but it appears we will have plenty of company from some very high performing districts. (The last time Ridgewood had a school on the Early Warning List was RHS in 2005-06, again due to special ed students' scores in Language Arts). More to come on this...
Dr. Fishbein presented the Opening of School Report, the key fact of which was how much the District's enrollment has grown since last year.
Enrollment Figures as of 9/10/10*
(9/09 figures are in parentheses)
Glen (36) 44 +8
Hawes (408) 409 +1
Orchard (323) 340 +17
Ridge (478) 496 +18
Somerville (533) 540 +7
Travell (410) 408 -2
Willard (456) 501 +45
TOTAL ELEMENTARY (2,644) 2738 +94
BFMS (687) 694 +7
GWMS (675) 693 +18
TOTAL MIDDLE SCHOOL (1,362) 1387 +25
RHS (1,666) 1692 +26
Total Enrollment (5672) 5817 +145
*These numbers can be expected to change a little still, as families who moved away are removed from the rolls.
Also at last night's meeting, Dr. Fishbein recognized Jane Blakely, who was the recipient of the 2010 Ashby Award for her contributions to Ridgewood High School over the past 26 years.
Michele Lenhard read a list of all donors to the Ridgewood Public Schools for the 2009-10 year. It's a long list (maybe I'll post it here later), but the total was $546,695. That's amazing! Thank you, Ridgewood!
The Board's new Student Representative, Max Z., reported on the opening of the high school. Bottom line: the new lockers are a big hit.
We had a great presentation from our architect, engineer, and construction managers on the status of various referendum and capital projects throughout the District. The detailed report, complete with photos, amounts spent and percent complete, will be posted on the website, hopefully tomorrow. I'll post a link when it's there.
Business Administrator Angelo DeSimone presented the reorganization of the IT (formerly MIS) Department and described some of the many projects that department has been busy with all summer. Right now, the big effort is in getting all students and families set-up in Skyward, the new student information system. There were some "glitches" with the initial mailing of instructional letters to parents: apparently there were old, out-of-date address still existing in the old SASI system, and they were mistakenly imported into Skyward. So about 250-300 letters were unable to be delivered, and those parents are having to correct their information (and prove residency, if their address has changed). It's definitely a lot of work for everyone (including parents), but they are working through it and the system is going to be a huge improvement once it's all in place.
Mr. DeSimone also spoke about many hardware projects completed or currently underway, including replacing 350+ computers and upgrading our wireless internet service. When it's complete, there will be full wireless service in every school -- no more hot spots or dead zones. And, I was glad to hear that students will be able to access the internet eventually, once they can install good firewalls that can't be hacked, with students trying to get in and change grades, etc. Full wireless access in our schools -- especially the high school -- will be a great step forward in terms of our students' connected learning.
Sheila Brogan gave a legislative update, and said the Obama administration has announced a third round of Race to the Top grants -- will the third time be the charm for New Jersey?
Finally, Regina Botsford reported that, while we are waiting for official scores, it appears that Hawes Special Ed students may not have met AYP (Annual Yearly Progress) in Language Arts, which would place Hawes on the "Early Warning List." I'll write more in the next few days about what this means, but it appears we will have plenty of company from some very high performing districts. (The last time Ridgewood had a school on the Early Warning List was RHS in 2005-06, again due to special ed students' scores in Language Arts). More to come on this...
Sunday, September 12, 2010
Board of Ed Agenda for Sept. 13
The Board of Education will be meeting tomorrow night (7:30 p.m., Ed Center), and here are a few highlights from the agenda:
We'll have several presentations, including the official Opening of School Report with attendance figures. (Here's a hint: good thing we're expanding some buildings!).
We'll get a report on maintenance projects completed over the summer, and an update from our architects and engineer on referendum projects.
We'll review the new organization chart for the IT (formerly MIS) department.
The Board will have the first reading of revisions to Policy 7250 (School and Facility Names), which you can read attached to the agenda (click here).
We're approving the enrollment of a couple of tuition students: one at the high school and one at Hawes and, yes, they will be paying tuition. I don't know if I'm allowed to discuss their reasons for attending Ridgewood schools (it's probably confidential student info), but their enrollment was approved by the building principals and Dr. Fishbein.
Various changes of assignment, appointments, leave of absence, etc.
The Board will acknowledge the total donations from various groups and individuals over the 2009-10 school year.
Hmm...doesn't sound like too late a meeting, does it? We'll see! You are welcome to attend -- there are seats for everyone! Or you can watch live on Cablevision Channel 77 or see the webcast at click here. (Webcast can be viewed live or go to the website any time to view archived webcasts!).
We'll have several presentations, including the official Opening of School Report with attendance figures. (Here's a hint: good thing we're expanding some buildings!).
We'll get a report on maintenance projects completed over the summer, and an update from our architects and engineer on referendum projects.
We'll review the new organization chart for the IT (formerly MIS) department.
The Board will have the first reading of revisions to Policy 7250 (School and Facility Names), which you can read attached to the agenda (click here).
We're approving the enrollment of a couple of tuition students: one at the high school and one at Hawes and, yes, they will be paying tuition. I don't know if I'm allowed to discuss their reasons for attending Ridgewood schools (it's probably confidential student info), but their enrollment was approved by the building principals and Dr. Fishbein.
Various changes of assignment, appointments, leave of absence, etc.
The Board will acknowledge the total donations from various groups and individuals over the 2009-10 school year.
Hmm...doesn't sound like too late a meeting, does it? We'll see! You are welcome to attend -- there are seats for everyone! Or you can watch live on Cablevision Channel 77 or see the webcast at click here. (Webcast can be viewed live or go to the website any time to view archived webcasts!).
Thursday, September 9, 2010
Help me test this new live anonymous polling feature!
UPDATE 9/14/10: I took down the poll test. It was pretty cool, but it has a few issues that I need to work out, namely that it was a little hard to read (too small). I'll play around with it more later, but for now it was cluttering up my page so I've taken it down. I'll keep you posted.!)
You may have noticed a window at the top of this page. I'm testing out a really cool app called Poll Everywhere. It is mainly designed to be used during meetings or presentations or classroom sessions. It allows the audience to use their cellphones to text-in feedback or answers to questions, which are then displayed live on a screen. It's a cool way to engage the audience in the discussion, better than having people raise their hands to comment, nobody can hear what they said, taking turns, etc. Much more dynamic. Anyway, there is also a web component, so that answers can be displayed online, like here on my blog.
I thought I would test it out here first, before I try using it in some meeting scenario.
So text in your answers, whenever, wherever, as many times as you like...share with your friends...let's see how this thing works!
See the instructions above the poll window -- text 112137 plus your response to 22333.
I'll keep this up for a few days and see what happens...
You may have noticed a window at the top of this page. I'm testing out a really cool app called Poll Everywhere. It is mainly designed to be used during meetings or presentations or classroom sessions. It allows the audience to use their cellphones to text-in feedback or answers to questions, which are then displayed live on a screen. It's a cool way to engage the audience in the discussion, better than having people raise their hands to comment, nobody can hear what they said, taking turns, etc. Much more dynamic. Anyway, there is also a web component, so that answers can be displayed online, like here on my blog.
I thought I would test it out here first, before I try using it in some meeting scenario.
So text in your answers, whenever, wherever, as many times as you like...share with your friends...let's see how this thing works!
See the instructions above the poll window -- text 112137 plus your response to 22333.
I'll keep this up for a few days and see what happens...
Monday, September 6, 2010
Willard is looking good...with so much more to come.
More notes from my tour of school construction projects last Friday...
The beginnings of Willard School's massive renovation are almost complete. If you're familiar with Willard, you'll recognize that the new floor looks pretty much exactly like the old floor -- except it's flat and level and not falling apart. What a pretty room this is, in such a beautiful old building!
Willard's roof is being replaced and the faux slate, which received the blessing of the Historic Preservation Commission, looks really good. (Click on the photo to enlarge.)
The asbestos abatement under the school was also completed, along with the installation of a trap door for easier access to the pipes, etc., located below.
Next summer Willard will really change, with the addition of the second floor over the kindergarten wing...
Welcome back to school, Willard!
Thursday, August 26, 2010
New tower clock at RHS!
For years, dropping off my daughter and then my son on Brookside, I would turn to pass RHS and look up at the clock in the tower...the clock whose time never changed...and now, I'm excited to see that the clock has been repaired! (Or, more accurately, replaced.) The original clock was made of wood and, as you can imagine, was rotting and not really salvageable after all those years in the elements. The new clock looks great!
There is so much site work being done at the high school. Stairs, railing, sidewalks, the arched entrance at Heermance which was a gift from the Class of 1923...all being repaired, made more safe and more secure. Glad the rain has stopped and it looks clear for the next week-plus (knock wood). This will help them get everything done in time for school to start.
Friday, July 9, 2010
GW Expansion Drawings
Here are the architect's conceptual drawings for the GW expansion. Note that the new gym is not your typical "box," but rather it fits with the design of the rest of this beautiful, historic building. Any comments?
Additional drawings plus an update on all referendum projects are on the District website. Click here.
1) View from Monroe St. (New gym and classrooms are on the far right):
2) View from Washington St.
3) Another view from Washington. New gym and classrooms are at left.
4) View from Godwin Ave. Auditorium is on far left; new gym/classrooms on far right.
Additional drawings plus an update on all referendum projects are on the District website. Click here.
1) View from Monroe St. (New gym and classrooms are on the far right):
2) View from Washington St.
3) Another view from Washington. New gym and classrooms are at left.
4) View from Godwin Ave. Auditorium is on far left; new gym/classrooms on far right.
Saturday, April 17, 2010
At least Christie will honor our referendum construction grants.
From the department of "What, me worry?"
Press release from the New Jersey Association of School Business Officials, 4/17/10:
GOVERNOR CHRIS CHRISTIE ANNOUNCES SCHOOL CONSTRUCTION FUNDING
Trenton, NJ -- Governor Christie announced today that schools construction projects in school districts across New Jersey will soon begin to receive funding for projects following approval for the sale of $500 million in new bonds by the Board of Directors for the New Jersey Economic Development Authority.
The New Jersey Schools Development Authority (SDA) will use proceeds from the bonds toward school facilities projects in SDA Districts and continue the SDA grant program for Regular Operating Districts (RODs). These state-funded ROD grants represent at least 40 percent of costs for projects in non-Abbott districts, addressing health and safety issues, student overcrowding and other critical needs. Local districts fund the remainder.
"It is important for these school projects to move forward with state financial support," said Governor Christie. "My administration is committed to providing exemplary educational facilities for our students in all school districts across New Jersey. The sale of these bonds is a fiscally responsible way to continue to address the school-construction needs of New Jersey's public schools."
Press release from the New Jersey Association of School Business Officials, 4/17/10:
GOVERNOR CHRIS CHRISTIE ANNOUNCES SCHOOL CONSTRUCTION FUNDING
Trenton, NJ -- Governor Christie announced today that schools construction projects in school districts across New Jersey will soon begin to receive funding for projects following approval for the sale of $500 million in new bonds by the Board of Directors for the New Jersey Economic Development Authority.
The New Jersey Schools Development Authority (SDA) will use proceeds from the bonds toward school facilities projects in SDA Districts and continue the SDA grant program for Regular Operating Districts (RODs). These state-funded ROD grants represent at least 40 percent of costs for projects in non-Abbott districts, addressing health and safety issues, student overcrowding and other critical needs. Local districts fund the remainder.
"It is important for these school projects to move forward with state financial support," said Governor Christie. "My administration is committed to providing exemplary educational facilities for our students in all school districts across New Jersey. The sale of these bonds is a fiscally responsible way to continue to address the school-construction needs of New Jersey's public schools."
Friday, January 8, 2010
Message from Ed Center re: State delay in signing bond agreements
The following was sent out from the Ed Center today to parents and the press.
I added my comments at the end...
Ridgewood Public Schools officials have learned that the State of New Jersey is delaying the execution of all approved grant monies for new school construction projects until Governor-elect Chris Christie takes office. The announcement that the New Jersey Schools Development Authority will honor the request by the governor-elect’s transition team means that Ridgewood’s school referendum projects approved by voters last December have been put on hold.
“We have been counseled by our legal and financial advisors to not commit significant monies to the referendum projects until Governor-elect Christie makes a final decision regarding the funding of grant awards,” said Superintendent of Schools Dr. Daniel Fishbein. The approved $48 million Ridgewood bond referendum for capital repairs and improvements to the public schools include approximately $10 million in state grant monies. The removal of the grant monies would likely impact the scope and viability of the voter-approved projects.
Dr. Fishbein said that if the new governor decides to remove the grant awards, Ridgewood and all other districts that approved bond referendums last September and December will then wait for a directive from the state as to how to proceed.
“We are hoping for the best case scenario, which will allow the process to continue and the grant agreements be signed, so that the referendum projects can go forward without further delay. In the meantime, we will update the public with important new developments as we get them from the state.”
The decision will not be known until sometime after Mr. Christie is sworn in as governor on January 19.
My comments:
I'm still in "cautiously optimistic" mode. I can understand the new governor's transition team wanting to take a pause and sort through all their financial obligations, mandatories vs. wish lists, etc., but I do believe that they will need to fulfill things that are OBLIGATIONS. Go ahead and change your mind on something that was discussed or planned or assumed, go ahead and stop approving new school construction grants from now on, but because the state APPROVED our grant and Ridgewood taxpayers VOTED based on that approval, I think they will have to proceed, sign the grant agreements and let us get on with the business of improving our schools.
Should we have known this would happen? How could we? The unpredictability and instability evidenced in EVERYTHING that comes from Trenton re: schools would make it impossible. If we waited around to do anything only after some sort of "guarantee" from Trenton...nothing would ever get done! There is never any guarantee. Ever. Personally, I try to take people at their word, expect them to do the same from me, and cross bridges as I come to them.
So...I'm going to remain calm, let the new governor get sworn in on January 19, and then expect those grant agreements to be executed as intended and promised to voters.
I added my comments at the end...
Ridgewood Public Schools officials have learned that the State of New Jersey is delaying the execution of all approved grant monies for new school construction projects until Governor-elect Chris Christie takes office. The announcement that the New Jersey Schools Development Authority will honor the request by the governor-elect’s transition team means that Ridgewood’s school referendum projects approved by voters last December have been put on hold.
“We have been counseled by our legal and financial advisors to not commit significant monies to the referendum projects until Governor-elect Christie makes a final decision regarding the funding of grant awards,” said Superintendent of Schools Dr. Daniel Fishbein. The approved $48 million Ridgewood bond referendum for capital repairs and improvements to the public schools include approximately $10 million in state grant monies. The removal of the grant monies would likely impact the scope and viability of the voter-approved projects.
Dr. Fishbein said that if the new governor decides to remove the grant awards, Ridgewood and all other districts that approved bond referendums last September and December will then wait for a directive from the state as to how to proceed.
“We are hoping for the best case scenario, which will allow the process to continue and the grant agreements be signed, so that the referendum projects can go forward without further delay. In the meantime, we will update the public with important new developments as we get them from the state.”
The decision will not be known until sometime after Mr. Christie is sworn in as governor on January 19.
My comments:
I'm still in "cautiously optimistic" mode. I can understand the new governor's transition team wanting to take a pause and sort through all their financial obligations, mandatories vs. wish lists, etc., but I do believe that they will need to fulfill things that are OBLIGATIONS. Go ahead and change your mind on something that was discussed or planned or assumed, go ahead and stop approving new school construction grants from now on, but because the state APPROVED our grant and Ridgewood taxpayers VOTED based on that approval, I think they will have to proceed, sign the grant agreements and let us get on with the business of improving our schools.
Should we have known this would happen? How could we? The unpredictability and instability evidenced in EVERYTHING that comes from Trenton re: schools would make it impossible. If we waited around to do anything only after some sort of "guarantee" from Trenton...nothing would ever get done! There is never any guarantee. Ever. Personally, I try to take people at their word, expect them to do the same from me, and cross bridges as I come to them.
So...I'm going to remain calm, let the new governor get sworn in on January 19, and then expect those grant agreements to be executed as intended and promised to voters.
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
Schools referendum passes 51% to 49%
It was very close, but Referendum 09 was approved by voters. Now the real work will begin as we mobilize for the many renovation and expansion projects throughout the school. Thank you to everyone who participated in the process.
The unofficial totals we got were:
2129 Yes
2047 No
This represents about 25% of the registered voters participating.
We'll get the official results certified by the county.
Details to come...and then some!
For now, though, a little sleep.
The unofficial totals we got were:
2129 Yes
2047 No
This represents about 25% of the registered voters participating.
We'll get the official results certified by the county.
Details to come...and then some!
For now, though, a little sleep.
Friday, December 4, 2009
Editorial in today's Ridgewood News says "Vote YES"
Reprinted from Ridgewood News 12/4/09:
This Tuesday, village residents will be asked to approve a $48 million bond referendum to upgrade school buildings and fields. If residents approve the bond referendum, taxpayers will contribute an average of $300 per year for the next 25 years to pay it off.
There are dissenting opinions on the issue: Some residents see the project as a necessity, some want it scaled back, while others don't think now is the right time. District officials are hoping that the bond is approved, because if it is, the state will chip in about $12 million to get the projects completed.
Many Ridgewood residents are proud of their homes, making necessary upgrades and repairs to maintain the value of their properties. That same pride must be shown to the village's communal properties, including the schools.
Would a Ridgewood homeowner ignore a roof leak, rodent infestations, or crumbling walls? Highly unlikely.
Would a Ridgewood resident let a child sleep in a hallway? Probably not, but some village students are now taking classes in school hallways.
Some will argue that fiscal restraint should be shown because of the economic recession. But spending money on much-needed repairs is not frivolous - if the damage gets worse, it will cost more. And if the bond is not approved, the district will lose the state aid for the project, and may never get that money back.
Two major complaints from residents opposed to the referendum are the installation of turf fields and air conditioning in the auditorium at Benjamin Franklin Middle School (BF).
BF has the largest auditorium in all Ridgewood schools, used by Jamboree, Dad's Night and some elementary school productions. In May and June, it can be sweltering. It is often rented by outside organizations - producing income for the Board of Education - and would be more attractive to other potential renters if air conditioning were installed.
The installation of turf fields will allow the football field to be used for more than football, which is only fair for all the other Ridgewood High School teams.
Village residents will make the ultimate decision on whether this project proceeds or not. We think there are too many reasons to vote in favor of the proposal than let the opportunity slip away.
This Tuesday, village residents will be asked to approve a $48 million bond referendum to upgrade school buildings and fields. If residents approve the bond referendum, taxpayers will contribute an average of $300 per year for the next 25 years to pay it off.
There are dissenting opinions on the issue: Some residents see the project as a necessity, some want it scaled back, while others don't think now is the right time. District officials are hoping that the bond is approved, because if it is, the state will chip in about $12 million to get the projects completed.
Many Ridgewood residents are proud of their homes, making necessary upgrades and repairs to maintain the value of their properties. That same pride must be shown to the village's communal properties, including the schools.
Would a Ridgewood homeowner ignore a roof leak, rodent infestations, or crumbling walls? Highly unlikely.
Would a Ridgewood resident let a child sleep in a hallway? Probably not, but some village students are now taking classes in school hallways.
Some will argue that fiscal restraint should be shown because of the economic recession. But spending money on much-needed repairs is not frivolous - if the damage gets worse, it will cost more. And if the bond is not approved, the district will lose the state aid for the project, and may never get that money back.
Two major complaints from residents opposed to the referendum are the installation of turf fields and air conditioning in the auditorium at Benjamin Franklin Middle School (BF).
BF has the largest auditorium in all Ridgewood schools, used by Jamboree, Dad's Night and some elementary school productions. In May and June, it can be sweltering. It is often rented by outside organizations - producing income for the Board of Education - and would be more attractive to other potential renters if air conditioning were installed.
The installation of turf fields will allow the football field to be used for more than football, which is only fair for all the other Ridgewood High School teams.
Village residents will make the ultimate decision on whether this project proceeds or not. We think there are too many reasons to vote in favor of the proposal than let the opportunity slip away.
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
Explanation (again) of what we currently spend on facilities and why...
For those who missed it when I wrote before (click here), it is true that a school district may budget to put money into a capital reserve account, creating a fund that is accumulated for a “rainy day.” Our District established a capital reserve fund in 2000. We have funded it and, most recently, we used money from this account last year to do repairs on the 1919 roof at RHS. But in recent years, we have not been able to budget additional funds for capital reserve, nor have we been able to end the year with as much surplus as in the past.
Also, yes we are allowed to spend more on capital projects and maintenance within our operating budget. The only thing stopping us is...everything else. After paying our contractual obligations for salaries and benefits, and dealing with cost increases in transportation and other expenses, and staying within the state's budget growth cap of 4.0% of the tax levy (approx. 3.6% budget), the most we've been able to put toward the facilities is $2 million per year. That's a significant amount of money -- except when you consider that we have 11 old buildings to maintain totaling one million square feet. $2 million doesn't go very far. If the community wants to spend more on facilities, we will have to take the money from somewhere else. It's as simple (and as complicated) as that.
(Added 12/4/09 @ 10:50 AM)
What kind of capital and maintenance projects does the District undertake as part of our regular budget? As I wrote previously, here's a partial list of projects from this past summer/fall:
Ridgewood High School
Renovation of Guidance Suite and Grade Advisor area; Rooms 207, 211 & 112. (Note, the Guidance area had water damage, crumbling plaster, dingy paint...now it's a great showcase for visiting college admissions folks and parents.)
Renovation of North Stair Tower (the one I used to say looked like a ghetto movie set)
Repair of Lockers in Boys' Locker Room
Installed flooring in ancillary weight room
Installed 600+ new lockers
Locker room showers, more roof replacement and bathroom renovations going out to bid
Hawes
New fencing
New lighting in gym
Orchard
Fencing
New lighting in gym
Sidewalk (donated by HSA)
Willard
Renovation of art room
Outside lighting improvements
Travell
Gym renovation -- tile & lighting
Outside lighting improvement
GW
Replaced 4 classroom carpets with tile floors
Refinished Gym and Band Room floors
Roof repairs
Fencing
Bathroom renovations -- going to bid
Glen
Gym window wall replacement -- going to bid
Exterior door and electrical upgrades -- going to bid
BF
Roof repairs
Improved electrical in library and computer labs
Fencing
Roofing & door projects to be bid
Ridge
Renovated gym (floor and lighting)
Drainage in front of building
Door project -- going to bid
Somerville
Renovated cafeteria
Removed wall between 2 classrooms; replace with foldable wall
Fencing
Partial roof replacement (over gym)
Any questions, please comment or email me directly lauriegood@mac.com.
Also, yes we are allowed to spend more on capital projects and maintenance within our operating budget. The only thing stopping us is...everything else. After paying our contractual obligations for salaries and benefits, and dealing with cost increases in transportation and other expenses, and staying within the state's budget growth cap of 4.0% of the tax levy (approx. 3.6% budget), the most we've been able to put toward the facilities is $2 million per year. That's a significant amount of money -- except when you consider that we have 11 old buildings to maintain totaling one million square feet. $2 million doesn't go very far. If the community wants to spend more on facilities, we will have to take the money from somewhere else. It's as simple (and as complicated) as that.
(Added 12/4/09 @ 10:50 AM)
What kind of capital and maintenance projects does the District undertake as part of our regular budget? As I wrote previously, here's a partial list of projects from this past summer/fall:
Ridgewood High School
Renovation of Guidance Suite and Grade Advisor area; Rooms 207, 211 & 112. (Note, the Guidance area had water damage, crumbling plaster, dingy paint...now it's a great showcase for visiting college admissions folks and parents.)
Renovation of North Stair Tower (the one I used to say looked like a ghetto movie set)
Repair of Lockers in Boys' Locker Room
Installed flooring in ancillary weight room
Installed 600+ new lockers
Locker room showers, more roof replacement and bathroom renovations going out to bid
Hawes
New fencing
New lighting in gym
Orchard
Fencing
New lighting in gym
Sidewalk (donated by HSA)
Willard
Renovation of art room
Outside lighting improvements
Travell
Gym renovation -- tile & lighting
Outside lighting improvement
GW
Replaced 4 classroom carpets with tile floors
Refinished Gym and Band Room floors
Roof repairs
Fencing
Bathroom renovations -- going to bid
Glen
Gym window wall replacement -- going to bid
Exterior door and electrical upgrades -- going to bid
BF
Roof repairs
Improved electrical in library and computer labs
Fencing
Roofing & door projects to be bid
Ridge
Renovated gym (floor and lighting)
Drainage in front of building
Door project -- going to bid
Somerville
Renovated cafeteria
Removed wall between 2 classrooms; replace with foldable wall
Fencing
Partial roof replacement (over gym)
Any questions, please comment or email me directly lauriegood@mac.com.
Monday, November 16, 2009
What has the District been doing to maintain the buildings?
Currently posted on the District website is a report of building-by-building maintenance expenditures over the past 10 years.
Note: these are not major capital improvements. These are maintenance, which includes things like:
* Removal and replacement of asbestos tiles in gyms and classrooms
* Removal and replacement soiled and worn classroom carpeting with tile
* Renovation and refurbishment of classrooms, offices, and hallways (eg., recent work at RHS)
* General plumbing, electrical, roof , HV and HVAC repairs
* Installation of electronics/electrical (e.g. white boards, projectors, air conditioners, etc)
* Fence repairs and improvements (for example the fence that neighbors keep cutting over at BF!)
* Glass replacement
* Preventive maintenance (e.g. filter replacement, oil motors, clean and inspect uni-vents)
* Boiler inspections
* Boiler repairs
* Stack permits (yes, the state charges us for having chimneys that vent our boilers)
* Signage
* Site work (e.g. Curbs, paving, signage, concrete)
Click here for the complete 10-year spreadsheet (click on "Detailed Annual Maintenance Worksheet")
Note: these are not major capital improvements. These are maintenance, which includes things like:
* Removal and replacement of asbestos tiles in gyms and classrooms
* Removal and replacement soiled and worn classroom carpeting with tile
* Renovation and refurbishment of classrooms, offices, and hallways (eg., recent work at RHS)
* General plumbing, electrical, roof , HV and HVAC repairs
* Installation of electronics/electrical (e.g. white boards, projectors, air conditioners, etc)
* Fence repairs and improvements (for example the fence that neighbors keep cutting over at BF!)
* Glass replacement
* Preventive maintenance (e.g. filter replacement, oil motors, clean and inspect uni-vents)
* Boiler inspections
* Boiler repairs
* Stack permits (yes, the state charges us for having chimneys that vent our boilers)
* Signage
* Site work (e.g. Curbs, paving, signage, concrete)
Click here for the complete 10-year spreadsheet (click on "Detailed Annual Maintenance Worksheet")
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
"Don't you know there's a recession going on?"
Perhaps you asked that question when you read the letter to parents from the Board of Ed last week. (A similar letter will be going out to non-parent community members shortly.) I would like to answer with my own personal opinion:
Do we know there's a recession going on?
Yes, so it's a good thing we held the list of projects in the referendum at $48 million and not more.
You see, the Board of Education has an obligation to our students, the education of whom must be our #1 priority. While we all live within local and national economic conditions, and I am respectful of (and share in) the struggles of many in the community, the students are whom we must do right by.
Our students deserve to be educated in the best facilities possible. They deserve their 43-93 year old buildings to last another 43-93 years. They deserve to not have water dripping through the ceiling, loose bricks and mortar, inadequate plumbing, and asbestos beneath their feet. They deserve to have us spend less money on heating and electricity, year after year. They deserve to have fields on which they are allowed to safely play sports, on campus. They deserve to have the outdoor wellness education required by the state. They deserve to be taught in proper classrooms, not in the hallway or in a divided room or in a borrowed administrator's office. And they deserve to not be moved from school to school, wherever they can be squeezed-in for the specialized education they require (and we are required to provide).
As a member of the Facilities Committee that worked for over a year to create it, I can tell you the list of projects was not created lightly. Believe me, the complete list of "total" needs is far longer than this. The high school alone had $20 million in facilities needs revealed by a detailed engineering study. The Ed Center building -- constructed in 1895 -- needs a whole lot of work, but we took it off the referendum list, instead focusing entirely on projects that will benefit student learning on a day to day basis. We got rid of everything cosmetic, everything simply convenient. There is no painting for painting's sake, no beautifying. And no trendy solar panels. (Calm down, I'm as "green" as the next person, but we studied them and spoke to energy experts, and solar panels have too a high cost and too low a return on investment -- it would take decades for them to pay for themselves. Putting in relatively low-cost devices to conserve electricity and control temperatures, and in some cases enhancing ventilation systems, will save us a lot of money year after year.)
Our facilities are big, they are old, and they cannot be made adequate on the $1 million to $2 million per year we have been able to budget in recent years. If we wanted to incorporate these renovations and expansions into our yearly budget, at $2 million/year how does 24 years sound?
(Time out -- just need to remind you that this is all my personal opinion. I have my own perspective. Of course, the other Board members did vote to approve the referendum projects, but I am not speaking for them as to their motivations or priorities.)
The analogy I think of is this: anyone who owns a home -- especially an old home -- has repairs come up from time to time. A broken window. A leaky faucet. A squeaky floorboard. We do the repairs as soon as we can. But eventually, if we occupy our house long enough, the roof needs to be replaced. We can do some patches here and there, but guaranteed, at some point a roof replacement is necessary to protect and shelter our lives and belongings and all that we do in our homes. I don't know anyone who can just write a check for that roof replacement, and absorb the cost in the weekly home budget. Most people I know will take out a home improvement loan and put on the new roof.
Are there things that could/should have been done differently in the past, so as not to allow our buildings to reach their current state? Perhaps. But I believe that every administration and every board of ed makes decisions based on the reality of their situations, the conditions at the time, and their best judgment. Whatever choices made in the past were made. They're done and gone. We can't change that. Right now, I am dealing with our reality. Trying to do what I feel is best for our students. This referendum will allow us to repair our buildings, accommodate growth and make the most of all our space going forward.
I hope people will continue to ask questions and get the facts before making snap "I'm voting no" decisions right now. The referendum is December 8 -- there's time for you to learn the facts. Please, email the district at referendum09@ridgewood.k12.nj.us, or email Dr. Fishbein, or email the Board, or email me, or post a comment right here. Come to a meeting or coffee. Go to the district website and read the detailed plans. Attend a community presentation on 10/27 or 11/30. Take a tour of a school (date TBA). Learn as much as you can and then make a decision.
Do we know there's a recession going on?
Yes, so it's a good thing we held the list of projects in the referendum at $48 million and not more.
You see, the Board of Education has an obligation to our students, the education of whom must be our #1 priority. While we all live within local and national economic conditions, and I am respectful of (and share in) the struggles of many in the community, the students are whom we must do right by.
Our students deserve to be educated in the best facilities possible. They deserve their 43-93 year old buildings to last another 43-93 years. They deserve to not have water dripping through the ceiling, loose bricks and mortar, inadequate plumbing, and asbestos beneath their feet. They deserve to have us spend less money on heating and electricity, year after year. They deserve to have fields on which they are allowed to safely play sports, on campus. They deserve to have the outdoor wellness education required by the state. They deserve to be taught in proper classrooms, not in the hallway or in a divided room or in a borrowed administrator's office. And they deserve to not be moved from school to school, wherever they can be squeezed-in for the specialized education they require (and we are required to provide).
As a member of the Facilities Committee that worked for over a year to create it, I can tell you the list of projects was not created lightly. Believe me, the complete list of "total" needs is far longer than this. The high school alone had $20 million in facilities needs revealed by a detailed engineering study. The Ed Center building -- constructed in 1895 -- needs a whole lot of work, but we took it off the referendum list, instead focusing entirely on projects that will benefit student learning on a day to day basis. We got rid of everything cosmetic, everything simply convenient. There is no painting for painting's sake, no beautifying. And no trendy solar panels. (Calm down, I'm as "green" as the next person, but we studied them and spoke to energy experts, and solar panels have too a high cost and too low a return on investment -- it would take decades for them to pay for themselves. Putting in relatively low-cost devices to conserve electricity and control temperatures, and in some cases enhancing ventilation systems, will save us a lot of money year after year.)
Our facilities are big, they are old, and they cannot be made adequate on the $1 million to $2 million per year we have been able to budget in recent years. If we wanted to incorporate these renovations and expansions into our yearly budget, at $2 million/year how does 24 years sound?
(Time out -- just need to remind you that this is all my personal opinion. I have my own perspective. Of course, the other Board members did vote to approve the referendum projects, but I am not speaking for them as to their motivations or priorities.)
The analogy I think of is this: anyone who owns a home -- especially an old home -- has repairs come up from time to time. A broken window. A leaky faucet. A squeaky floorboard. We do the repairs as soon as we can. But eventually, if we occupy our house long enough, the roof needs to be replaced. We can do some patches here and there, but guaranteed, at some point a roof replacement is necessary to protect and shelter our lives and belongings and all that we do in our homes. I don't know anyone who can just write a check for that roof replacement, and absorb the cost in the weekly home budget. Most people I know will take out a home improvement loan and put on the new roof.
Are there things that could/should have been done differently in the past, so as not to allow our buildings to reach their current state? Perhaps. But I believe that every administration and every board of ed makes decisions based on the reality of their situations, the conditions at the time, and their best judgment. Whatever choices made in the past were made. They're done and gone. We can't change that. Right now, I am dealing with our reality. Trying to do what I feel is best for our students. This referendum will allow us to repair our buildings, accommodate growth and make the most of all our space going forward.
I hope people will continue to ask questions and get the facts before making snap "I'm voting no" decisions right now. The referendum is December 8 -- there's time for you to learn the facts. Please, email the district at referendum09@ridgewood.k12.nj.us, or email Dr. Fishbein, or email the Board, or email me, or post a comment right here. Come to a meeting or coffee. Go to the district website and read the detailed plans. Attend a community presentation on 10/27 or 11/30. Take a tour of a school (date TBA). Learn as much as you can and then make a decision.
Blogged with the Flock Browser
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
