District seeks COPS grant for security upgrades; reports OSHA inspection findings and transportation updates

The Flemington-Raritan Regional School District’s operations and transportation committee reported June that the district will apply for the U.S. Department of Justice COPS School Violence Prevention Program grant to upgrade security systems, described progress addressing minor findings from an OSHA inspection, and provided an update on transportation operations and a pending dissolution agreement.

Business administrator Miss Dawson presented an updated five-year budget forecast and told the committee the district will apply for the COPS School Violence Prevention Program grant, which would fund security camera upgrades, phone systems, software, and the district lockdown system. The district would be required to provide a 25% match, approximately $125,000, and Miss Dawson said the match would be covered using available referendum funds if the grant is awarded.

Committee members reported that an inspection by the Office of Public Employees Occupational Safety and Health resulted in several minor findings; the district has addressed about 85% of the items and said the remaining items are awaiting material delivery for completion. The operations update also covered transportation operations: the business office and transportation supervisor have collaborated to maintain bus operations and meet student transportation needs, and the district is finalizing a dissolution agreement with Hunter and Central for division of assets, anticipated to be completed within about a month.

The operations committee noted that the state has not yet approved the district budget; final approval is expected in early July after the state finalizes its budget. The committee approved routine resolutions (fund balance appropriation, capital reserve, maintenance reserve year-end deposits) to appear on the next board agenda; Miss Dawson clarified these resolutions specify a not-to-exceed amount and do not obligate the board to deposit funds if they are not available after audit completion.

Committee members will continue to review appropriations and staffing scenarios with attention to fiscal responsibility; the operations committee scheduled its next meeting for July 16.