Facilities committee flags HVAC estimates, elevator inspection and potential SDA grant uses

The Hoboken Board's Facilities Committee reported on Jan. 8 that the district is continuing procurement and planning for several capital projects, including HVAC work at Wallace Elementary, the ongoing Hoboken Middle School elevator project, and potential uses for SDA grant funds.

Facilities chair Miss Delara told the board the district is working with multiple vendors on HVAC replacements at Wallace Elementary; the transcript records inconsistent cost figures, so the committee's staff will provide verified estimates to the board prior to any contract award. The Facilities Committee also said the final inspection for the Hoboken Middle School elevator is scheduled for tomorrow at 1 p.m., signaling near completion of that repair effort.

Committee members discussed possible uses of remaining SDA grant funds for architectural fees on the 38 Jackson Street project and for improvements to Hoboken High School's auditorium and gym. The committee additionally reviewed recent statewide petitions about permitting remote learning when schools are polling places; the transcript records that the New Jersey Department of Education denied such a petition.

"The Hoboken Middle School elevator remains a top priority due to ongoing failures," Miss Delara said. "The final inspection is going to be held tomorrow at 1 p.m."

Next steps: facilities staff will submit clarified cost estimates for HVAC work, report the elevator final-inspection outcome, and refine SDA grant applications and scope for board review.