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Toms River committee reviews ESIP/EIP projects, HVAC outages and curriculum benchmarks
Summary
District facilities staff reported progress on referendum and ESIP projects, ongoing HVAC issues tied to recent power outages, a manufacturer delay for window deliveries and that an LSRP stepped down; a student requested review of a homeschoolers-in-clubs policy.
District facilities and curriculum staff briefed the board’s Budget & Finance and Buildings & Grounds committees on construction and operations issues, and responded to two public commenters.
Facilities staff provided status updates on multiple referendum and ESIP projects: several school sites are in final punch-list or warranty phases, some contractors have closed out, and staff said they are evaluating additional projects that may be completed using available ESIP funds. Work at Intermediate South is continuing; staff are developing a change order to include an omitted phase and reported funds appear available to complete that work within allowable change-order amounts.
Officials reported ongoing HVAC problems affecting about 10 rooms districtwide and said recent power outages required schedule changes and HVAC resets. The district credited transportation and operations staff for adapting bus tiers and logistics to keep students warm and in class while repairs continue. Facilities also said windows have been installed at Westover Elementary and are being punch-listed; windows for Washington Street Elementary remain delayed by the manufacturer with an anticipated delivery around Feb. 1.
Staff reported that the district’s licensed site remediation professional (LSRP) stepped down for health reasons and that the district is working with the state and an environmental engineer to bring a replacement on board. The district also said it received notice from the Berkeley Township planning board that an amended preliminary site-plan approval for Berkeley Town Center — a vacant parcel abutting Beachwood Elementary School — indicates development is now likely at that property.
During committee public comment, Joe Nardini congratulated newly sworn board members and urged them to “remember what you’re here for — the children and the teachers.” Student commenter Jacob Kman asked for an update on a policy that currently prevents home-schooled students from joining school clubs. Assistant Superintendent Thomas said the policy committee will take that matter up at its next meeting.
The Ocean County Health Department inspected boilers at Intermediate East and deemed that facility in compliance with permit requirements, staff said. The committee closed after public comments and the board adjourned for the night.
(Next steps: policy committee to address homeschoolers-in-clubs policy; facilities to continue punch-list and warranty work and to procure LSRP replacement.)
