Construction updates: several school air-conditioning and roof works targeted for Aug. 29; PSE&G transformer delays could affect start of school

At the July 22 Metuchen Board of Education meeting, Board member Michael Glassberg reported construction and systems-completion dates the district’s construction committee received in mid-July, and flagged outstanding utility work by PSE&G that could affect the start of school at some sites.

Glassberg told the board that, as of the most recent project update, air conditioning was expected to be functioning at several school locations by August 29. The construction committee report listed the following target dates provided by district project managers and contractors:

- Edgar School: air conditioning and planned additions, cafeteria window work and some site work expected to be complete by August 29. - Metuchen High School: systems expected to be functioning by August 29, though full operation is contingent on PSE&G installing a required transformer. - Moss (playgrounds): exterior playground expected to be complete by August 29; the interior courtyard playground was expected later in October. - Campbell School: addition expected to be completed by August 22, with playground completion anticipated August 27; the interior courtyard at Campbell is scheduled later in October. - High school athletic-field lights: installation work expected in September, but the lights would not be functional until associated building additions that house the gym and board offices are complete (projected completion in January).

Glassberg said the district has experienced missed PSE&G appointments for transformer work, and that the transformer installation is a gating issue for power-dependent systems at Campbell and the high school. The committee continues to monitor PSE&G scheduling and said the district would post further updates if timelines change.

Why it matters: The completion of air-conditioning and other systems affects classroom conditions, the ability to occupy new additions and playground access at the start of the school year. Delays in utility transformer installation could require contingency planning and raise short-term operational questions for administrators.

Next steps: The construction committee will meet again on Aug. 18 (7 p.m., Metuchen High School library/media center) and provide updates to the board. District staff will continue to coordinate with contractors and PSE&G and communicate timing to parents.

Source: Construction committee update reported by Board member Michael Glassberg at the Metuchen Board of Education meeting, July 22, 2025.