WW-P board approves bids for new school

Construction of the Town Center Elementary School in Plainsboro will cost $11.9 million.

By: David M. Campbell
   The West Windsor-Plainsboro Regional Board of Education unanimously approved bids totaling about $12 million Tuesday night for construction of the Town Center Elementary School in Plainsboro, scheduled for completion in 2002.
   Construction could begin within the next two weeks, according to district spokeswoman Gerri Hutner.
   The $11.9 million price tag includes a $7.7 million contract for Paul Otto Building Co., of Mendham, to build the school, to be located on Dey Road and Wyndhurst Drive in Plainsboro. It also includes about $4.3 million for plumbing, electrical work and heating and air conditioning costs.
   The cost is covered by a $13.6 million referendum approved by voters in 1996.
   Some critics have argued the district is not adequately using the space it already has, particularly the 500 empty seats in the Upper Elementary School created by a recent redistricting vote by the board.
   Last October, the board narrowly approved the administration’s recommendation on elementary school grade configuration, reversing the district’s long-range commitment to a kindergarten-to-fifth-grade configuration. In a 5-4 vote, the board endorsed Superintendent John Fitzsimons’ recommendation to keep the district’s current grade K-3 and grade 4-5 model by establishing a second grade 4-5 school at Village School.
   The change is expected to be implemented in September 2002, when the Town Center opens as a K-3 school.
   The new elementary school will accommodate annual enrollment growth estimated at about 4 percent between now and 2007, said Ms. Hutner.
   Officials in Plainsboro have said they expect Town Center to play a vital role in their long-term village center concept, aimed at promoting a community atmosphere in the area that surrounds the Plainsboro Plaza Shopping Center, Municipal Complex and Plainsboro Pond.
   "Town Center will be one of the pillars of that area," Ms. Hutner said. "It’s really a wonderful opportunity for everyone, especially the students."