School district to mark start of expansion project

Upper Freehold officials will hold a ceremonial groundbreaking at noon Saturday.

By: Cynthia Koons
   UPPER FREEHOLD — It’s been two years since ideas for renovation and construction work at the elementary/middle school annex and Allentown High School were bounced around in Upper Freehold Regional Board of Education meetings.
   On Saturday at noon, members of the school board and township and construction officials will hold a ceremonial groundbreaking to commemorate the start of the project and all of the work that led to this point.
   "What’s important to know is that this is a milestone," Superintendent Bob Connelly said. "The board will schedule (another) appropriate ceremony for the completion of the project."
   The construction work isn’t scheduled to be completed until February 2004, but Dr. Connelly said the district hopes to have the new classrooms at the high school finished by September.
   Construction plans at the high school call for eight new classrooms, new main offices, six new group instruction facilities, two science labs, a music room, stage storage and a new gymnasium with trainers’ offices, storage, a weight room and team room.
   Renovations — some under way and some done over the summer — include improvements to three general classrooms, the media center and TV studio, the health suite, the auditorium, the existing gymnasium and locker rooms and the senior cafeteria.
   The outdoor portion of the project includes improvements to the athletic facilities, such as the fields and track, as well as new parking for students, faculty and staff.
   "We’re planning on all eventualities," Dr. Connelly said.
   The estimated cost of the project is $19.5 million. A state grant provided $5.8 million, leaving $13.7 million to be paid by taxpayers in Allentown, Upper Freehold and Millstone.
   The construction plans moved from the idea stage to the ballot within months, Dr. Connelly said. Voters approved a referendum for the project in December 2001.
   "The board moved very quickly for two reasons," he said. "Number one, the enrollment increases warrant it. This year we’re very tight on space, it’s absolutely essential that we have the new facility next year because we’re out of space now."
   "Time was of the essence in terms of moving this project," he said. "The concern was if delayed, (state) funds wouldn’t be available. There was a sense of urgency."