'Ambitious' School Construction Proceeding on Schedule

Summer construction at Cedar Grove schools have been an “ambitious project,” but in several cases the work has been completed ahead of schedule, the architect in charge of the construction told the board of education Thursday night.

Architect Robert Donahue gave the school board a construction update on several at the board’s first meeting since June 26.

For instance, Donahue said projects at both the Leonard R. Parks and South End schools were completed ahead of schedule. Work at the North End School should be completed by Monday.

Cedar Grove High School’s work, Donahue said, was broken into three phases. Work at the high school, currently in phase two, should be completed by Sept. 4. Work in the final phase should be completed by Nov. 30.

The construction projects at all the schools this summer included new roofs, windows and doors. In addition, work at the high school will involve new ceilings and a new heating, ventilation and air conditioning system.

In other news, the board:

• set district-wide goals with board attorney Anthony Sciarrillo involving board operations, communications, personnel, student achievement and curriculum. Sciarrillo will formalize the goals for a vote during the next board meeting.

Board members noted one area they would like to concentrate on improving is communication for school events. Board members want to notify each other well in advance of the event to assure they have a member attending nearly every event.

“It gets noticed when we are not present,” said Board Member Pamela Burke. “We should have a representative present because if we are not, the community notices.”

• set the prices for school lunches at all district schools for students, faculty and staff..
Under the plan, middle school students will pay $2.65 for a paid lunch and $3.15 for a premium paid lunch. For high school students, it will cost $2.65 for a paid lunch and $3.30 for a premium paid lunch. Faculty and staff will pay $3.30 for a paid lunch or $4.25 for a premium paid lunch.
• approved various personnel including administrators, teachers, substitutes, paraprofessionals, lunch aides, substitute lunch aides and Anti-Bullying Specialists, as well as the approval of an updated curriculum and contracts for special education students for the 2012-2013 school year.
• approved the payment of bills for construction items, cleaning services and the purchase of a Toro Ground Master lawnmower.
• announced the next school board meeting will take place on Sept. 11 at 8 p.m. at the North End School Media Center.