BY Amber Cox, Special Writer
SPRINGFIELD The Springfield Township School District has sent out requests for proposals to engineers to become a part of the school’s upcoming building referendum project.
Interim Superintendent Joseph Miller explained that a civil engineer or site engineer is needed to evaluate any option that comes before the school board and see how it impacts the site.
”We really need the input of a site engineer before we finalize the proposal,” he said.
Mr. Miller said about six proposals were sent out, with the help of Garrison Architects, of Marlton, and Greyhawk, of Moorestown. Garrison and Greyhawk have previously worked with all six companies.
”The proposals are all due on Nov. 30,” Mr. Miller said. “Garrison and Greyhawk will assist me in analyzing the proposals and making a recommendation at the board meeting in December about who to hire.”
Garrison also presented his first proposals for the building referendum project to Mr. Miller. Those proposals are not yet available to the public but are set to be presented at a special school board meeting on Nov. 28.
Mr. Miller said the proposals include most of the possible 23 items that the school board had previously approved.
”Garrison and Greyhawk are both going to take the lists and walk around the building to make sure all of the items are correctly addressed,” Mr. Miller said. “We will fine tune this and flip it into shape for presentation to the board at its next meeting.”
Items that may be included in the referendum questions include the construction of a new all-purpose room; renovating the current gym into a cafeteria/kitchen; renovating the current cafeteria/kitchen into the library and computer lab; converting the current library into two classrooms; converting the current computer lab into one regular classroom; a pitched roof.
Also a new HVAC system; replacing windows; replacing flooring; replacing alarm systems; improving the masonry; replacing doors; upgrading the electrical system; upgrading the bathrooms to make them ADA compliant; upgrading appliances to Energy Starr efficient units; upgrading the wastewater plant; upgrading lighting; improving storm water management; enclosing the area between the current gym and school; refurbishing the cupola; installing a roof access ladder; and revising the bus loop and traffic patterns.
The district has decided a referendum is necessary to keep the 73-year-old school safe for students. Referendums in 2009 and 2010 failed.
