Kinnelon welcomes a new electronic message board in front of its high school

Although the school district postponed doing any large facility projects over the summer because of budgetary constraints, it does have an impressive new electronic message board at the entrance to Kinnelon High School thanks to donations from several school organizations.

Borough School District Business Administrator Jim Minkewicz said the new electronic message board, which can be operated remotely, cost roughly $15,000. The message display was donated by various organizations. According to a thank-you message posted on the board, the upgraded marquee was donated by the Class of 2013, the Varsity Club, the Social Outreach Club, the Latin Club, Kinnelon High School Productions, and the Musical Program.

In an effort to control costs, Minkewicz said that not many facility improvements were made over the summer. Painting and locker and tile floor replacements were postponed. The locker replacement and tile replacement at Kinnelon High School were estimated at $140,000. Locker and tile upgrades at Pearl R. Miller School were estimated at $138,000.

Initially, the proposed 2013-14 school budget contained funding for these projects, which were later cut when the school board went through the budgeting process, he said.

Minkewicz said the district is planning two roof replacement projects, which it hopes will be partially funded by the state Department of Education (DOE) through a ROD (Regular Operating District) grant. On May 30, Governor Christie announced that $425 million in construction grants would be available to regular operating districts. This is the first time the state has funded a facilities and construction grants since 2009. According to the terms of the program, the district can either seek a grant for 40 percent of the cost of the project, or pursue debt service aid for up to 40 percent of the principal and interest associated with funding the work.

Minkewicz said the borough did allocate $300,000 in its capital reserve account for the roof replacements. The roofing project at Kinnelon High School is estimated at $300,000 and at Kiel School, $200,000. The installation of a new fire alarm system at the Kiel School at a cost of $52,000 is also part of the ROD application, he said.

Alan Bresett, supervisor of buildings and grounds for the school district, said the roof replacements under consideration include the replacement of the roof at the newer Kinnelon High School gym, which was built in 1998 and replacement of the cafetorium (multi-purpose room) roof at Kiel School, which opened in 1994.

Minkewicz acknowledged that competition will be stiff for the ROD grants. The state was swamped with applications by the time the Sept. 4 application deadline came to pass. When asked if the district could apply for any ROD grants for the installation of artificial turf at district schools, Minkewicz said such a project would not be eligible.

The ROD grants are more channeled toward infrastructure/safety improvements, he said.

According to the DOE website, the state has established three prioritized levels for funding. The top level addresses the most critical operational building needs, including health and safety issues, and program mandates. It includes essential building systems upgrades such as the repair or replacement of structural, mechanical/heating and cooling, electrical, and plumbing systems.

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Kinnelon welcomes a new electronic message board in front of its high school