An $800,000 windfall is a big step toward meeting $1.9 million project goal.
By: Shanay Cadette
An $800,000 windfall could lessen the financial impact of capital outlay needs in the West Windsor-Plainsboro Regional School District’s 2004-2005 budget proposal, and jumpstart renovations at West Windsor-Plainsboro High School South.
The school board was told Tuesday that the hike in costs for health-care benefits last year was less than anticipated, leaving an estimated $800,000 in the current budget. Officials said the district anticipated and budgeted for a 20-percent increase in health benefits last year, but the hike was actually 14 percent.
School officials and board members have been discussing the 2004-2005 budget proposal for the past few weeks. Early predictions indicate there will be a 5-percent increase in operational costs, but final figures have yet to be introduced.
School officials proposed Tuesday that the board move the excess $800,000 to the capital reserve to immediately begin work on various projects at High School South totaling $1.9 million. The board hopes to get $666,549 from the state, while the district would contribute the remaining amount, nearly $1.3 million.
The excess "is a great way to jumpstart the inactivity we’ve had for quite a while on the building," said Larry Shanok, assistant superintendent for finance and support services.
The pool heater, carpet, a boiler and exit doors must be replaced, and the tennis courts and track must be resurfaced or repaired, along with other needs at High School South.
The capital needs under next year’s budget include several roof, carpet and tile replacements across the district. About $1.1 million would come from the district’s coffers, while the state would kick in an additional $500,438.
Many board members expressed support for using the $800,000 now.
"I think that we’ve been delaying things, especially at South, for far too long," said board member Patricia Bocarsly. "They’re not terribly sexy things we’re doing here. A lot of things are very much infrastructure, but needed."
"It’s sort of thrilling to think we might actually do something" at High School South, added member Michele Epstein.
High School South was built in 1972.
Board Vice President Linda Geevers suggested the board prioritize the capital projects based on which ones have the backing of state funding. She said the scoreboards for the football and lacrosse fields on High School South’s capital needs list could be funded by booster club money.
Board member Henry Wieck said the administration should talk to the special services department, which primarily deals with special education and disabled students, about possible capital improvements that could be funded in the budget. Renovations could bring money and programs back into the district, he said, if changes make it possible for the return of about 170 children who currently attend out-of-district schools.
Mr. Wieck also said the board should include money in the capital budget to cover costs for the district architect to design a plan to rearrange classrooms to possibly open up more space at High School South, since the school is overcrowded.
The district must give its tentative 2004-2005 budget to the county by March 11. Board members will continue the budget discussions Feb. 10, 17 and 24.
Also Tuesday, the board:
Agreed to apply for two state grants totaling $104,532 to pay for electrical panels at High School South and Maurice Hawk Elementary School.
Approved five new novels to be used for the sixth-grade curriculum. The novels will cost about $10,366.
Finally received copies of the district’s policy manual on CD after four years of work. The manual is also available on the district’s Web site at www.west-windsor-plainsboro.k12.nj.us/.