$1,714,000 would cover improvements at district schools and the administration building if voters say yes April 17
By John Tredrea
Included in the school budget plan tentatively approved by the school board Monday night is a $1,714,000 separate ballot question.
The question, which could be altered as late as March 26, seeks voter approval for a list of improvements at district schools and the administration building. Voter approval of the separate question is contingent on voter approval of the budget.
Renovations account for $594,500 of the proposed ballot question. Among the renovation projects are $70,000 to demolish and replace an annex at Toll Gate Grammar; $118,000 for restoration of the high school tennis courts, which board member Linda Mitchell said are in bad shape; and $50,000 for a preliminary engineering investigation of the feasibility of connecting Timberlane Middle School to Pennington public water.
This last item may be scrapped, however. At Monday night’s meeting, Pennington Borough Councilman Joseph Lawver said the borough does not have enough water for the school and will not have it in the foreseeable future.
District-wide security improvements, such as new cameras, recorders and door buzzers, account for $87,000. A district-wide installation of a new clock and bell system would cost $63,500. An integrated system is key to safe and efficient student bus service, officials said.
Improved safety systems, such as emergency lighting, fire alarms and door hardware, account for another $258,400.
Other items include:
$100,000 in roof work on the administration building.
$62,000 for sidewalk upgrades. This is preventive maintenance that will have to be done before long and can only go up in price if delayed, officials said.
$148,600 to mill and repave the blacktop at the Timberlane bus loop and parking lots. These currently are "in pretty bad shape," Business Administrator John Nemeth said.

