Officials say Highland Avenue annex schematic submitted; project cost estimated at about $41 million

District officials told the Wood‑Ridge Board of Education that the educational specifications and schematic plans for the Highland Avenue Learning Annex and Recreation Center at Catherine E. Doyle School were submitted to the New Jersey Department of Education and the county for review.

During public comment, a resident asked for a construction update. The superintendent said testing has taken place since the start of the school year and the board-approved schematic plan and cost analysis have been forwarded to county reviewers. Officials said they are "looking at a spring start to the first phase" but cautioned that timelines could change.

On the project cost, an administrator stated during the public comment period, "$41,000,000 and change." The office did not provide a more detailed breakdown of that figure at the meeting. Residents pressed officials on whether the design or scope had changed; district staff said the architectural plans have not changed though the time frame has been adjusted.

Why it matters: The annex and recreation center would represent a major capital investment for the district; submission of schematic plans signals the project is moving through required review steps but does not authorize construction. County and state approvals, final budget allocations and contracting remain to be completed.

Next steps: District officials said they will await county and NJDOE review and continue budget work; no construction contract or start date was finalized at the meeting.

Representative quote: the superintendent said, "This submission brings us one step closer to the project becoming reality," and later in public comment an official said, "$41,000,000 and change."