$1.446M Building Enhancement Grant Awarded to Twp. Schools

The Washington Township School District received a much-anticipated grant this month from the state Department of Education, and it’s more than four times what it originally expected.

A $1,446,281 grant was awarded to the district in the form of a facilities grant, according to the district’s website. The money is scheduled to be used for district-wide security enhancements, heating, flooring, and boiler replacement at Flocktown Road School, and a roof replacement at Old Farmers Road School, the announcement stated.

The security enhancements will begin during the 2013-14 school year, while the remaining projects will be planned for the summer months.

When Patch spoke with Superintendent Jeff Mohre in August about the grant application, it was originally for $300,000. The board of education set aside $320,000 in security and building enhancements in its 2013-14 budget.

Original report: Schools Waiting on $300K Grant to Start Security Upgrades

At the time, Mohre said receiving a grant in the amount requested would allow the district to complete its enhancements in a single phase, rather than in annual pieces based on budget cycles.

The original $300,000 requested in aid did not cover architectural work for the implementation of welcome areas, or vestibules, where visitors will be signed in before enter the actual building.

It is not yet known if the windfall will be used for those enhancements.

Earlier this year the board of education approved the use of paid attendants to monitor the front entrance of each school building during and after school hours. The practice began in January 2013.

The board of education will next meet at the Long Valley Middle School at 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 7.