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Annex costs, turf repairs and field partnerships flagged as facilities priorities
Summary
Facilities committee reported the annex is substantially complete but over budget (~$361,556 spent vs. $200,000 planned), turf-field repairs at High School South revealed base compaction requiring future replacement planning, and the district and township are coordinating a Bay View field irrigation and maintenance project for summer 2026.
Facilities leaders summarized capital and maintenance activity and flagged several items requiring future funding decisions. Committee members reported the annex project has incurred about $361,556 in purchases and professional fees to date, exceeding the original $200,000 estimate; the line items included architect fees, furniture and security cameras.
On athletics infrastructure, the board heard that repair work on the High School South turf smoothed surface ripples but exposed compacted base material that prevents adequate drainage. Facilities staff said this will require a multi-year funding plan for eventual full replacement. "We're really going to have to start considering somewhere down the line where we're going to have to have a plan to start putting money aside to replace that field," a facilities speaker said.
The district also described joint work with the township on Bay View fields: the township plans to install irrigation (including a well), drainage, sod and limited paving, with work anticipated in summer 2026 and completion by September; the township will provide ongoing maintenance for community use.
Other facilities items included HVAC unit replacement bidding, fleet vehicle replacement planning (average maintenance truck age ~11.7 years), and several gym and bleacher projects targeted for spring and summer schedules.
What happens next: the board will consider South Jersey Turf Services contract items and a $75,000 playground grant on the January voting agenda; facilities and finance committees will continue reviewing capital priorities and potential budget inclusion in 2026'27.
