New school expansion should not be slow-moving
By: Matt Kirdahy
The Cranbury Board of Education does not expect any delays on the new school expansion, despite a request for a contract extension by the developer G&P Parlamus.
"Because of the recent snowstorm and freezing temperatures, G&P Parlamus has requested a 15-day contract extension," said school board member Frank Ransegnola.
The builder said the frozen ground has made it harder to dig when installing the seepage pits, which will collect water runoff from the new building’s rooftop.
The board has yet to grant the extension because of forecasted warm weather that could provide enough time to complete the project by Aug. 10.
Chief School Administrator Carol Malouf said "the primary goal is to complete the project before September and we’re confident that it will be finished by then."
In addition, the board approved an added cost of $2,500 to the project to upgrade the locks on the doors after new addition construction is completed.
School Business Administrator Brian DeLucia said, "spending this money is the most cost-effective way of installing the locks."
He said the locks are designed so that the cylinder, where the key is inserted, is the only component that needs to be replaced in the event locks are changed.
In addition, the board has approached the Township Committee with a request to expand .49 acres onto the 33-acre Wright parcel, adjacent to the new expansion site. Mr. Ransegnola said the space would provide room for bus and car parking. It also will square off the curved boundary line of the current parking lot.
The board must have permission from the Township Committee before March 15, the deadline set by G&P Parlamus, so it can make plans to lay the asphalt and curb it for the parking lot.
The school expansion project was approved by Cranbury voters in a $5.9 million referendum held in January 2002. The 36,000-square-foot addition will include a new gymnasium with spectator bleachers and seven additional classrooms.
The $7.3 million project was proposed in fall 2001 as a solution to crowded conditions in the school. Enrollment is expected to increase to 612 students by 2003. In addition, the current gymnasium, built in 1957, was constructed to accommodate a school with 300 students and also is used by other community groups. Approximately $1.35 million of the cost will come from a state grant.

