Avon School Searching for Construction Firm
Several firms interested in overseeing school addition construction
By JOANNE L. PAPAIANNI
Representatives from the Avon Board of Education along with staff members met with architects to begin finalizing the plans for the new school addition.
The plan was approved in a tight referendum vote in December.
Board President John Magrini said several construction management firms have contacted the school to apply for the position of overseeing the project.
“It was a very long, interesting and exciting day,” said Magrini. He said that the architects spent one entire day meeting with staff members to discuss suggestions for use of space in the building and to investigate the feasibility of ideas.
He added that they will be checking with other districts to see what worked and what didn’t, before deciding on a construction management firm.
Magrini said the architects will be back on January 30 to continue the process.
Board Administrator Amy Lerner is preparing for the bond sale on March 1, which in keeping with modern technology, will take place on the Internet.
“I can watch the bidding from my office,” said Lerner.
The state has not yet confirmed whether the promised aid will be in the form of one up-front payment or debt service over the life of the 30-year loan.
Lerner said due to the $6 billion deficit in the troubled New Jersey School Construction Corporation, the funds will most likely be in the form of debt service.
Superintendent of Schools Helen Payne said that on a positive note, interest rates are down.
“Interest rates are looking good, they are a bit lower than what we expected,” said Payne
Lerner said financial advisors and bond consultants recommend that the district apply for the entire $7.1 million approved for the project because of the significant application fees involved.
The board administator will then invest the funds in the New Jersey Asset and Rebate Management Program (NJARM) which, she said, is specifically designed for municipalities and schools.
Lerner explained that now that the project is underway, architects and engineers will need to be paid for their services as construction plans are formulated. With funds in NJARM, the district can access the funds as needed.
The closing on the bonds is scheduled for March 16.
Magrini said construction on the project will not be until February or March of 2007.
The board also introduced several updated policies, some with minor changes. One change made to the use of technology policy outlines non bullying guidelines. The new wording states that the computer “shall not be used to harass, intimidate or bully another person.”
“This goes along with our anti-bullying policy,” said Payne.
Another policy was changed to mandate that students who are involved in extracurricular sports programs will no longer be exempt from physical education classes.
“We don’t think school sports equate to physical education,” said Payne.
In other business Magrini said there has been a good response from Avon School alumni for the party planned this summer to commemorate the school’s 100-year history.
Although there has recently been some discrepancies noted about the actual opening of the school building, Magrini said they will go forth with the plans.
He said that 250 alumni have responded so far, with many vowing to fly in from across the country.
“We really don’t know how many people we are talking about,” the board president said, “it could be 150 or it could be 400.”
The oldest known alumni graduated in 1935.
Magrini suggested that with having so many friends and alumni of the school together in one place, the board should attempt to set up an Avon School Foundation.
“That was not our original goal,” said Magrini, “but with so many alumni together….”
Also at the meeting Payne said that a survey would go out to parents regarding after-school care. The program would be run in the school, but is paid for by the parents who choose to use it.
“We are sending a survey out to see if there is a demand for that,” said Payne.
The public lottery held to determine high school assignments in the district is scheduled for February 15 at 4 p.m. in the school library.
Magrini said that 62.5 percent of the students will be assigned to Manasquan High School. Using current figures that would mean that 9 of the 16 eighth graders would go to Manasquan. The others would either go to Asbury Park, Vocational/Technical Schools or private schools.
Lerner announced that residents who are interested in running for the board of education should pick up a board candidate packet from the board office. The completed packet must be returned to the board office by February 27 at 4 p.m. There are two 3-year terms available.
Read more about your town by picking up The Coaster at your local newsstand or subscribe today.
Published every Thursday.
