Operations committee outlines long-range facility plan; November 2027 is target for possible referendum

The Montgomery Township Board of Education’s Operations, Facilities and Finance committee reported Dec. 9 work on the district’s Long Range Facility Plan and sketched a likely timetable for a public vote.

Committee members described a vendor briefing from Rex Songjin Architects that produced project outlines and sketches for each facility, with project costs to be refined in impact studies and public information sessions. Committee members said the work is preliminary and that an ad hoc committee will be formed to decide which projects from the firm’s report should be included in the referendum. Based on the committee’s review of deadlines and necessary preparation, members told the board that November 2027 is the most likely date for a public vote.

The operations report also included an audit preview from Saukley Cluny auditors Eric Zimmerman and John Swisher. They told the committee the district’s audit report will likely be ready in January but identified one area needing attention: cafeteria operating costs were higher than allowable at the June 30 fiscal year end because equipment was purchased but not delivered by that date; auditors said the issue will be corrected in next year’s audit.

Committee members emphasized that specific project details, costs and impact studies remain in development and that the district will schedule public forums so residents can review proposed work and estimated costs. An ad hoc committee will evaluate the RBTech/architectural report and recommend which projects should be included on a referendum question once the committee deems the timeline and cost estimates final.