SHRSD BOE: A COMMUNITY REQUEST TO DELAY THE VOTE on 11/27 @ 7pm, located at the Stockton School- UNTIL FULL PRESENTATION OF ARCHITECTURAL/FINANCIAL PLANS are shared to the Public. Significant Financial Implications and the 2018 Fall Sports and Activities

The Buildings, Grounds, and Transportation section L on the Agenda, is a recommendation to spend $1-$1.1m on a track around the football field without an informative presentation to the community. Documented board member minutes from 10/4 and 10/23 have both stated the track as 5 lanes, and then six lanes, yet no finite information or financials have been disclosed to the public. This is a significant financial investment that needs to be fully thought out and not rushed.  The track is a recommended addition to the District with voted support from the BOE yet there are other viable options which may be as fiscally sound and may have long-term benefits to the school and surrounding community. We, the community, are requesting a delay in this vote until all finances and plans for all viable options are disclosed to the public, inclusive of plans for displacing the football season if delays and/or weather circumstances. This is a community project and transparency is critical. We, the undersigned kindly ask that the community and entire BOE is involved by sharing the plans and offering a presentation before making such a large financial and finite decision that will change the scope of the school without considering the needs of the student population and surrounding community.

  • At the last BOE meeting, no sharing of financial information was communicated, only the fact that $100k has already been allocated for feasibility studies by the board and more money is being requested for the architect, BGT item K and L totaling an additional $75,135.31 for USA Architect for Professional Services.
  • There has been no public presentation which shares the preliminary architecture drawings or presentation of the accountability of all finances, safety to the surrounding grounds, time and action calendar as well as potential impact to fall 2018 sports and activities to the board and community.

    o The board and community should understand the expense and accommodations needed for the football team (and cheerleaders and band) to move their games to another field is an important discussion.

  • At the last BOE meeting, there were many students and parents interested in the plan B option in which the West Amwell Township offered to donate adjacent land with the intent for a 6-lane track and a soccer field in the center. • If the allocated BGT section K / L money must be spent to have the drawings presented, the vote on “Section L” should be postponed until the official presentation from the Architect with costs for the entirety of the project be considered.

Addendum:

  • Notations from the board about funding have been made and have ranged from $750-$1.1 million. The community requests that the architect shares the drawings that led to the estimated $1-$1.1M contract for bidding. Questions arise whether this $1-$1.1 million includes all costs such as building the 6-lane track (stated at the October BOE meeting by Dr. Muenker, yet noted at the township meeting on 10/4 as a 5-lane track by C. Reading), moving the lights to accommodate (and possibly replace), and accounting for the extensive field work that must be done.
  • Below share the minutes from the October 4th West Amwell Twp meeting. The West Amwell Twp minutes from the Oct 4th meeting presents ideas for a track. The Board representative Mr. Reading spoke: Mr. Reading advised that Plan A would add this feature to the existing football field. However, this would involve moving the lights and leveling the field. The latter is of concern due to the area being filled with macadam, etc. In addition, it would mean that the 2018 football season would be played at Hunterdon Central as there would not be adequate time for the grass to grow; there would only be room for a five lane track; and, it doesn’t address concerns about enough play and practice fields. Therefore, the school needs a Plan B to assist with space needs. The school has $750,000 available from State capital funds as well as savings on local capital projects and the sale of a painting.
  • As for disruption, the board and community should understand the expense and accommodations needed for the football team to move their games to another field as this is an important discussion. This question was asked by a community member at the October BOE meeting, yet no answer was offered as it was said to be unknown. The cost of busing, fees to the rented field, practice time at other fields which involves busing, etc. are an accountable amount. It may be the intent to be finished before the season, but these plans should be in place in case they are needed. There are approximately 20 students on the football team, some which are seniors that want to play their home games along with the marching band and cheerleaders. A contingency plan and appropriate finances need to be in placed so the students do not miss out on their season.
  • At the last BOE meeting, there were many students and parents interested in the plan B option, in which the West Amwell Township offered to donate adjacent land with the intent for SHRSD to build a 6-lane track and a soccer field in the center. The administration and the board suggested the costs would be higher. It appears the costs are similar and now allow for another field that is much needed if SHRSD considers their offer. There are approximately 80 students enrolled in soccer at the Middle/H.S., which represents approximately 17% of the student population at the school. Four teams are sharing two fields, adjacent to the field hockey space and into the baseball fields. As you hire the architect for plan A, please keep in mind plan B that will benefit more students at the same costs.
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