Middletown board OKs vote on $32.9M for roofs, repairs

By KEITH HEUMILLER

Staff Writer

Middletown voters will be able to weigh in next month on a proposed $32.9 million facilities project that would replace roofs and repair heating and cooling systems at 15 of the public school districts 17 schools.

Board of Education members unanimously agreed to schedule a March 11 public referendum for the projects, saying they want to take advantage of $19 million in available state grants by lumping all of the projects together and beginning work this summer.

They are critical projects that have been researched, and a lot of work has been done in scoping them out, district Business Administrator Amy Gallagher said during the boards Jan. 28 meeting.

This isnt a bells-and-whistles type of referendum. Its basic needs. These are things that are going to have to be done whether the referendum passes or not.

Board professionals gave public presentations on the proposed work Jan. 27 and 28, explaining that state Regular Operating District (ROD) grants would cover 40 percent of all project costs.

Superintendent of Schools William George III said more than 2,400 applications were submitted for the grants, and the state determined that all of Middletowns 39 proposed projects are critical.

Were very humbled, very proud of the fact that we are the leader in Monmouth County with the number of grants awarded, he said.

If approved by voters, the project would bring new roofs to Bayview, Fairview, Leonardo, Lincroft, New Monmouth, River Plaza and Navesink elementary schools, and partially replace the roofs at Middletown Village, Nut Swamp and Ocean Avenue elementary schools.

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Middletown board OKs vote on $32.9M for roofs, repairs