By: Carl Reader
WEST AMWELL Organization can get a lot of things done, and the South Hunterdon Regional Board of Education has a lot of things to do after its reorganization meeting May 2.
Atop the list of things to do is how to spend the half million dollars the voters approved at the April 16 school elections. To begin the process of deciding what will be fixed first at the school, the newly reorganized Buildings and Ground Committee will take a look at the situation and make recommendations to the board.
That committee will have to decide what items needing repair or replacement, such as the fire alarm system and the boiler, are most in need of attention. Then the committee will ascertain what the half million can pay for and make its recommendations.
Chosen for the Buildings and Grounds Committee were Gregory Danese as chairman, newly elected board member Rick Anthes and Dr. Carrie Corboy.
"We know the committee process is most important in how the school is operated," said board President Allie Meehan, who once again was chosen for that position.
Before the ink was dry on all the appointments made, an issue came up for the Buildings and Grounds Committee.
Mr. Coleman asked what could be done about the water fountains in the school, some of which don’t work. He said he attempted to get a drink of water from one across from the gym, and nothing came out.
"They don’t look easy to fix," Mr. Coleman said.
A buildup of minerals in the water lines appears to be a major problem, according to the board. Business Manager Stephanie Hope was describing the process of having the problem looked at when Mr. Anthes broke in.
"Stephanie, do you want information?" he asked.
Mr. Anthes said New Jersey State Surplus has handicapped-accessible water fountains that could be purchased for $60 apiece. He suggested the board check on their availability quickly before they’re gone.
"They could save us money," he said.
The board had questions for Mr. Anthes about whether the units needed to be plugged in and how the water would get to them.
"I guess electric lines could be run to them," Mrs. Weinstein speculated.
Mrs. Hope asked for more information from Mr. Anthes in the form of printed material. The board and Mrs. Hope will look into the matter further.
Meantime, Mr. Meehan also will serve on the Budget and Finance Committee, along with reappointed Vice President Doug Coleman, who will serve as chairman of that committee, and Mr. Danese. Mr. Coleman also will serve on the Negotiating Committee with David Moraski and Patty Warford.
The Personnel Committee will have Mrs. Warford as chairwoman with Mr. Moraski and Mr. Danese serving alongside her. The Curriculum Committee will be chaired by Laurie Weinstein. Dr. Corboy and newly elected board member Nicole Claus also will serve on that committee.
The Units Committee will be chaired by Mr. Meehan, and Mr. Danese will serve with him. The Education Council, which works with the faculty, will have Ms. Claus and Mr. Meehan, and the School Community Relations Committee will have Mr. Anthes, Mrs. Warford and Dr. Corboy serving.
Mr. Moraski will chair the Technology Committee and serve with Mr. Coleman and Mrs. Weinstein.
Mr. Coleman will serve as the delegate to the New Jersey School Boards Association with Ms. Claus as alternate. Mr. Moraski will be the legislative chairman to the association, and Superintendent Cheryl Simone will serve as the legislative chairwoman to the Hunterdon County Superintendent of Schools.
