| When the Newark Board of Education met Wednesday night, Dave Lines of Thomas
Associates appeared before the board to give an overview of what could be accomplished as
far as adding needed space in the district. Lines presented concepts which were put
together as a result of ongoing meetings with department heads, principals, and parent and
community focus groups.
The Thomas Associates renderings are here, with additions colored in yellow
(existing space in orange). Note that the Kelley School would become the Middle School
(grades 6-8). Parent drop-off loops would be added to the Perkins School and Kelley
School.
What may become important to the project at this point is conceptual only - the
possible involvement of BOCES. This link-up would not only affect the scope of the
project, but the aid package from the State Education Department, which could run as high
as 92 percent.
A goal of September 23 has been set for the board to decide whether or not to go forth
with a possible building project.
Maintenance Project - The latest round of cost overruns, amounting to $77,595,
were of concern to the members of the board. Changes ranging from water metering pits to
cable drops and running conduits, and the football field sound system were presented to
the board for approval.
Board member Dave Honness said that some of the overruns were 'nothing more than
mistakes,' and put the responsibility on the engineers. Board President David Howard
indicated that he felt the district has already arrived at what would be considered an
acceptable level of change orders.
Pre-Kindergarten - Supt. of Schools Robert Christmann announced that letters
were going out to Pre-K service providers indicating that there is going to be funding for
30 children in the Pre-K program. Christmann said that a drawing will be held on Tuesday,
August 8 to determine which children will be able to take advantage of the state-funded
program. |
