Schools
Grant Program Helps Summit Elementary Schools Keep Cool
A state grant makes a nearly $2.3 million air conditioning upgrade for schools possible.
The Board of Education approved a $2,295,140 bid by Sunnyfield Corporation of Eatontown for mechanical systems upgrades for air conditioning at five Summit elementary schools Thursday night.
Funding for the effort comes via aid from the New Jersey Regular Operating Districts grant program. The , , , and schools will benefit from the move.
The board also took action to protect the district from the "adverse financial and educational impact" it could suffer under the New Jersey Interdistrict Public School Choice Program. The plan allows students in designated "sending" districts to attend schools in "receiving" districts. The cost of transporting the students is picked up by the home district if the student travels 20 miles or less to his or her new school. Parents are responsible for picking up the tab if the distance to a receiving school exceeds 20 miles.
Board President Jack Lyness said Summit, being a sending district, potentially could suffer a "mass student loss" that could have a negative impact on its financial and educational stability. In order to protect the system, the board approved a policy to restrict enrollment in the Choice program to a maximum of 10 percent per grade per year.
Lyness also announced that since July 2010, the district has received more than $20,000 in grants from DonorsChoose.org. The website allows people to donate money to fund school projects. The board president said the money received is being used to purchase supplies and equipment.
The next public workshop meeting will be held May 12 at 7:30 p.m. at the Wilson School Board Meeting Room.
The board's reorganization meeting will take place May 16 at 7:30 p.m. in the library at Summit High School.
