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Toms River district outlines storm recovery, HVAC failures and roughly $50K–$60K in extra expenses
Summary
Facilities staff described a multi-site storm response after an ice event, reporting broken coils at Cedar Grove, long lead times for HVAC parts, rental of loaders and contractors, and estimated extra storm costs of roughly $50,000–$60,000; staff said they will explore DOE/FEMA reimbursement possibilities.
Facilities staff updated the board about recovery and repairs following a recent ice and snow event, saying the district mobilized crews across its 22 locations to clear sidewalks, dig out 248 buses, rent loaders, and hire outside contractors.
Staff reported a boiler failure at Cedar Grove that led to 13 classroom coil breaks; temporary room heaters were purchased and monitored while repairs await replacement parts. A facilities speaker said some coils have an estimated eight-week lead time for repairs. "We rented loaders. We contacted outside contractors in the community to come in with loaders to help..." the facilities speaker said, describing multi-day building checks and 24-hour operations.
The district estimated extra storm-related expenses (salt, contractors, equipment rental, overtime) at about $50,000–$60,000. Staff said capital and maintenance reserves exist but have not been tapped; capital-reserve projects such as boilers and switchgear remain scheduled for summer. The facilities team will explore possible partial reimbursement routes previously used after state-of-emergency declarations (DOE/FEMA guidance) but had not received any such reimbursement approvals at the time of the meeting.
Board members praised crews for the response; staff noted decisions about delayed openings and closures consider roadway safety, bus operations and visibility.
