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Watchung Hills operations committee details construction updates; sidewalk proposal faces funding objection
Summary
Director of operations Mark Snowden and staff updated the board on facilities work including track repaving, rooftop unit and chiller replacements, change orders totaling about $185,000, a proposed student sidewalk estimated at $250,000–$400,000 and a new sound system for Tozer Field; the committee recommended against funding the sidewalk.
The Watchung Hills Regional High School District operations committee reported multiple ongoing construction and facilities projects and discussed a proposed joint sidewalk project with the Warren K–8 District.
Mark Snowden, the district’s new director of operations, gave a brief update on projects during an April 2 operations committee meeting; he said he spent his first week getting to know facilities and staff and was “looking forward to working with everyone.”
Committee members described planned repairs and replacements: the asphalt surface in the track area will be redone after graduation, drainage behind the bleachers is under review, rooftop units over the superintendent’s office and business office are planned for replacement pending cooperative purchasing quotes, and the chiller replacement is anticipated to start over the upcoming spring break. Mr. Stice reported two change orders for the former nurse’s office (SAC office) totaling approximately $185,000 and recommended approving them, saying consolidating stacks in one location would benefit students.
The committee discussed a proposed joint sidewalk and crosswalk from Woodland School to the high school to allow students who live at a nearby development to walk safely rather than along Sterling Road. The township engineer provided a drawing and estimated the project cost at between $250,000 and $400,000; staff proposed splitting the final cost evenly between Watchung Hills and the Warren K–8 District. Committee discussion followed and the committee recommended against funding the project.
Other items reported to the committee included awaiting pricing from Spiesle Architects for the DeGantsey Memorial, plans for a fall dedication and design lab opening, and installation of a new sound system on Tozer Field.
The board did not take a final vote on the sidewalk funding during the meeting; committee recommendation will inform future board discussions.
