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Voorhees preschool opening delayed after township inspector requires additional work
Summary
Officials said the temporary certificate of occupancy for the new early childhood center remains pending after a township inspector required additional items; the finance committee recommended approval of change orders and administrators expect an inspection early next week.
Voorhees Township school officials told the board that the district’s new Early Childhood Development Center did not open on the planned date after township inspectors requested additional work before issuing a temporary certificate of occupancy (TCO).
Helen Haley, the district’s business administrator and board secretary, told the board that the district had believed it had met TCO requirements but that building inspectors had asked for additional items to be addressed. “All these items will be completed by Friday, and we are requesting an inspection early next week,” Haley said.
Why it matters: The delay affects where preschool services will be delivered this spring and summer and requires short-term operational changes. The finance committee reported that food service will be transported from another school until the new kitchen is completed and that the district is approving required change orders to move the project forward.
In the finance committee report, members said additional requirements stemmed from a new Township construction inspector whose interpretation of code led to added items and change orders the district did not anticipate. The committee said it met with township officials to clarify differences between requirements for a TCO and a full certificate of occupancy and that it is hopeful the remaining issues will be clarified so an inspection can proceed promptly.
District officials said the kitchen was expected to be completed in time for the start of the school year in September 2025; in the meantime, food service will operate out of another school. The committee also reviewed related ROD grant work, boilers at two schools, and an HVAC replacement wing at the middle school.
Ending: District staff said they will request an inspection early next week and that they will continue to provide updates about timing and any required change orders.
