District moves ahead with school reconstruction plans

School bond sale set for Dec. 5, by Fran Hardy Sparta - The Sparta Board of Education approved the sale of $71.5 million in school bonds by a unanimous vote in its meeting Monday night. The bonds will be sold on Dec. 5 through an electronic open auction. Board president Michael Schiavoni commented on the impending sale: “This is a big deal. 30 year bonds are at a low right now and the board has elected to do the entire bond sale as soon as possible, as directed by our financial advisors, for the purpose of minimizing our risk.” The board announced that it has appointed Phoenix Advisors, LLC, of Bordentown, N. J. to provide the specialized financial advisory services necessary to prepared for the bond sales. They have also appointed McManimon and Scotland, LLC, of Newark, to act as bond counsel. Other matters regarding the high school reconstruction project were discussed, including whether to purchase or rent the portable classrooms that will be necessary for students during the high school reconstruction. The board is weighing its options regarding portable units available from the West Orange school district. The purchase price for new units could be as much as $580,000 and would not include the additional costs for delivery and site preparation. The units would also have to be sold when they are no longer needed. Rental of used units would be approximately $280,000 and this cost includes delivery and set up. However, there is some question as to the condition of used units and what may have to be done to bring them up to necessary standards. Some residents at the meeting voiced concern that the district is losing its assistant superintendent for business administration, Ron Wolfe, at a time so many weighty financial and business matters, such as the reconstruction project, need the attention of someone who understands the workings of the school district. Wolfe announced his resignation two weeks ago after he was denied a raise by the board during his performance review. Many consider the loss of his expertise and knowledge of business matters a set-back for the district. The board assured the public that a job availability notification has gone out and they expect to begin reviewing resumes of potential candidates for the position as early as next week. They hope to have a new business administrator in place by the end of the month. Wolfe will not leave his position until January. If the process of hiring takes longer than anticipated, an interim business administrator will be hired. Board member Paul Johnson moved that the board authorize superintednent Thomas Morton and Wolfe to identify and recommend potential interim candidates right away for approval at the Nov. 29 meeting. Resident Tom Nuttle expressed concern that seven weeks have gone by since the referendum passed and the board has not put forth a definitive plan for such a large project and instead seems mired in minutia. “I have personally stuck my neck out to support this new school and I’ve said I think the board is moving in the right direction. But now I want to know, where is the plan? What is the time line? What are the key milestones?” Nuttle said, adding that he thinks the board needs to improve its communication with the community. “Please communicate better with us on the website and at meetings,” he added. Johnson said he agreed that more information should be posted on the district website. Schiavoni said he hopes to publish a monthly district newsletter for the public in the near future. People also raised concerns about school security issues. Wolfe assured the public that firm plans for electronic security equipment are in place for four of the township schools, but that the high school is a different matter. The immediate addition of electronics for that building would not be feasible because such a large portion will be demolished and reconstructed. Wolfe recommended that two security guards be hired to patrol the building in addition to the full-time school resource officer. Schill moved that this be done and Schiavoni requested a solid plan from the high school principal, endorsed by Morton and Wolfe, to be submitted within two weeks.