Board approves multi-item business slate; two members oppose bus purchase

The Marlboro Township Board of Education on June 9 approved a broad, 66-item business consent slate that included transfers, vendor contracts, technology and maintenance purchases, and transportation procurements.

Administration read the slate aloud, which included contract awards and renewals for custodial services, fire-protection and alarm work, technology and security supplies, and the purchase of four buses and one van for the 2026–27 school year. During an earlier referendum update, administrators also noted that a rebid on HVAC work produced an award to M. Chappelle Mechanical for $4,663,000, with construction agreements signed and pre-construction planned for this summer.

Board members moved the slate as a single resolution. The motion carried on roll call, with two board members recording their votes as "no" only on item 32 (the purchase of four buses and related services) while voting "yes" on the remainder of the package. Mr. Lolonski said he opposed only item 32; Mrs. Jenowski likewise voted no on item 32 but yes on all other items. Other members voted to approve the slate.

The administration said the district received eight bids on the HVAC rebid, with six within project budget; the lowest bid in the rebid was $292,000 lower than the lowest bid in the first round. District leaders said HVAC equipment is being manufactured and that contractors will perform above-ceiling electrical and condensate work during the summer months while equipment is produced.

Board members who opposed the buses did not move to reopen the bid process during the meeting; the district did not provide additional public detail about their reasons during the roll call. The administration said it will provide further procurement documentation to any board member on request.

The board finished the business portion of the meeting without further challenge and proceeded to other agenda items.