By Jenine Clancy, Special Writer
MONROE — The Board of Education unanimously voted during a recent meeting to investigate space needs for Special Services and Professional Development Needs.
The board currently has a lease with Mobilease Modular space, having a trailer at Applegarth School, according to Director of Facilities Jerry Tague. The trailers will be removed when the five-year lease expires July 1.
The trailers are made up of classrooms, with storage space and bathrooms.
The monthly rent cost is $16,581.
Mr. Tague said the space of the trailers is 9,600 square feet and the special services needs are well below that, at just 5,000 square feet. To rent, or purchase a property in town would save the school thousands of dollars, according to Tague.
The Special Services and Professional Development Needs is designated for different services such as registration for new residents, working with the homeless, serving out of district students and overseeing the Special Needs Department, according to officials. The space for people providing these services has been moved four times in six years.
The decision of not continuing the lease was made at the last Building and Grounds Transportation Committee meeting. Some board members, however, felt the decision was rushed and that the committee should have consulted the board before making any major decisions.
”I am also a little disappointed,” said Board Member Anthony Prezioso. “I didn’t think any committee (of the board), but (only) the board (itself) could make a decision. I am a little disturbed by the fact that it seems we have already taken action prior to board approval to grant that action be taken.”
The board then formally approved the removal of the trailers.
Some members were trying to find other options like extending the lease on the trailers, but Business Administrator Michael Gorski did not think extending the lease would be a good idea.
”The option to keep the trailers is the worst in my opinion,” said Mr. Gorski “After they have been in service this many years they are not meant to last, they are energy hogs and are they are subject to mold.”
Mr. Gorski also went on to say “you could go to a landlord to customize your needs so it will be move-in ready. To explore leasing commercial space would be at fraction of what we are paying now.”
”There is a lot of property to lease in this town,” said Mr. Tague “We have looked at everything from the Jamesburg Post office to a space on Applegarth Road. We have talked to realtors and the options are endless.”

