West Freehold Schoolhouse windows installed; contractor reduces bid as repainting, deck work remain

The Freehold Township Historic Preservation Commission recorded on June 15 that windows are being installed at the West Freehold Schoolhouse and that contractor Brian Leffert reduced his installation price by a total of $1,100, the minutes state. The minutes specify a $600 credit on installation of a copper drip cap and an additional $500 reduction in installation labor, described as adjustments because Leffert will do the work rather than bringing in a fabricator.

The minutes say Leffert will provide a separate price to repair or replace the schoolhouse deck; the commission noted the fabricator also offered a bid to refinish the doors so “the schoolhouse can be up to snuff.” New shutters will be purchased with open-space funds and installed when they are available. The minutes record that a painter is expected to begin work around June 30, 2026.

The commission also discussed timing for a public reopening of the schoolhouse; the minutes list a tentative grand-reopening window of either October 2026 or early spring 2027. The minutes include an internal comment that “Dave has done an awesome job on this project”; the record does not give a full name for “Dave.”

Next steps noted in the minutes include receiving a deck repair estimate from Leffert, a refinishing estimate from the fabricator, procurement of shutters with open-space funds, and completion of painting. The commission did not record a formal vote or a spending authorization for the deck in the minutes of this meeting.