Ringwood going after part of $350 million NJ grant to upgrade science classrooms
Hoping to capitalize on a $350 million state grant program promising partial reimbursement for essential school upgrades, Ringwood's Board of Education approved roughly $1.7 million in improvements to Ryerson Middle School this week.
During a special meeting on Monday, board members agreed to have the school's science classrooms overhauled and a new heating and air conditioning unit installed above the school's gym.
Board members also agreed to file an application to seek partial reimbursement from the $350 million state grant program that opened in late January. Under the Regular Operating Districts, or ROD, grant program administered by the New Jersey Schools Development Authority, approved districts can receive grants covering at least 40% of costs for projects that are essential to education or address health and safety.
'It doesn't make sense not to go for ROD grants for this," said Patrick Seiwell, of board consultant DRG Architects.
DRG Architects said the science classrooms will get new flooring, ceilings, lighting and heating and cooling systems. They will also receive sorely needed cabinetry for storage and counter space. While the curriculum at the school does not call for the use of caustic or explosive chemicals, one of the labs will have an eye wash station and an emergency safety shower, according to the plans.
The current shower is located in a prep room that connects two of the three classrooms planned for the overhaul. It does not have a working drain, officials said. That room will get new ADA-compliant doorways, storage areas and a sink, according to the consultants.
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The science classroom renovation has a $966,000 price tag, according to the approved agreement with contractor C.M.G. Group Inc., of Neptune City. Board members said they are considering a separate agreement for loose furnishings, including tables on casters and chairs with underneath storage, at a cost of $94,300. An attempt will be made to find a better price through vendors on a state contract before potentially awarding that contract on Feb. 13, they said. Another $100,000 to $150,000 could nonetheless be required for hazard remediation work in the classrooms, which were built in 1970, officials said.
The new heating and air conditioning unit above the gym will cost $695,000 and replace a 53-year-old unit that only provides heat, district records show. The project by Envirocon of Hackettstown will provide new ductwork and ceiling reinforcement for the roof-mounted unit, officials said.
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With existing capital reserves and grant money, district officials said there is enough in reserve to cover the cost of the projects without additional grant awards or reimbursements.
Beyond attempting to file an early ROD grant application with state officials, board members said they wanted to approve the contracts early this month to permit a summer construction schedule. Items such as the epoxy resin countertops and the gym's HVAC system can take 16 to 18 weeks to arrive after an order is placed, according to the board consultants.
This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: Ringwood going after NJ grant to upgrade science classrooms
