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Operations committee flags high school infrastructure needs; district may seek 2027 referendum
Summary
The Montgomery Township operations, facilities and finance committee reported infrastructure needs at the high school, a possible November 2027 bond referendum, temporary bus leasing, and a recommended change of auditing firm.
The Montgomery Township Board of Education’s Operations, Facilities & Finance (OFS) committee reported on Aug. 19 that multiple capital and maintenance needs at Montgomery High School will require significant work, and the committee identified November 2027 as a potential ballot date for a major capital referendum.
Will Ross of Perrett Sargent Architects presented a Phase 2 analysis of Orchard Hill and Village Elementary Schools and an initial long-range facilities plan. The committee said wall remediation projects at four school buildings are complete and that a final site visit is scheduled before school opens. Initial findings at the high school included HVAC upgrades, roof replacement and cooling repairs.
Financial and procurement updates: The committee reviewed the remaining balance from the 2016 referendum — reported as $197,000 — and asked for a detailed accounting of completed projects, expenditures and outstanding change orders. On transportation, the district will temporarily lease a bus from Kensington Bus Company at $5,400 per month (maintenance included) while awaiting delivery of seven new buses; the leased bus will be staffed by an existing district driver.
Audit and internal control review: The committee reviewed two proposals for auditing services: the incumbent firm’s $35,000 quote (primarily financial statement compilation with limited review) and a competing firm’s $70,000 proposal (offering a more comprehensive engagement including internal controls assessment and follow-up). A committee member recommended changing auditors to raise assurance levels and strengthen internal controls.
Special education funding: The committee reported that the district secured $2,700,000 in extraordinary aid this year, an increase of $1,200,000 from the prior year, and credited the special education director and business administrator for ensuring state funds were fully captured.
What’s next: The committee plans stakeholder meetings before finalizing cost estimates for the K–4 restructuring analysis and requested additional accounting detail for referendum and 2016 referendum carryover funds. The board will continue to review OFS recommendations at future committee and full-board meetings.
Sources and attribution: Will Ross (Perrett Sargent Architects) presented facilities analysis; the committee report and business administrator remarks provided budget and procurement details.
