Board hears updates on Hillcrest feasibility, HVAC upgrades and Chromebook program
August 03, 2025 | West Milford Township Public School District, School Districts, New Jersey
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The board received a facilities and technology status report at the Nov. 21 meeting that covered property feasibility, building upgrades and the district's technology roadmap.
Why it matters: Facilities and technology investments affect student learning conditions, safety, cybersecurity posture and future district operating costs.
The facilities presenter described work on a feasibility study for the Hillcrest property in coordination with the township and noted a productive process involving the mayor and council. The turf‑field component of the strategic plan remains at the evaluation stage "—we haven't really done much digging in on that yet," the presenter said. He also described HVAC upgrades installed this past summer to add air conditioning and improved ventilation in large common areas at Marshall School, Maple Road and Mackin; those upgrades were completed in time for summer programs.
On technology, the presenter reiterated maintenance of the district's 1:1 Chromebook program and staff laptop distribution process. He said high school Chromebooks for the 2024–25 school year have been ordered using remaining ESSER funds but noted additional funding will be needed for other grade levels. The district is drafting a 3–5 year technology plan (mentioned as a joint effort by Mr. Winston and Dr. Furnari) and is implementing cyber‑risk mitigations including a VMware upgrade and a new website platform after concluding the prior webmaster contract. The phone system now includes a 911 call manager that routes emergency calls to the proper on‑site administrator and first responders.
Board members asked for clarification about funding and next steps; the administration said specific budgeting and timeline details will be brought back to the board as plans are finalized.
Next steps: Continue Hillcrest feasibility and turf evaluation; finalize technology plan and funding requests; proceed with planned capital work in alignment with available reserves and grant funds.
Why it matters: Facilities and technology investments affect student learning conditions, safety, cybersecurity posture and future district operating costs.
The facilities presenter described work on a feasibility study for the Hillcrest property in coordination with the township and noted a productive process involving the mayor and council. The turf‑field component of the strategic plan remains at the evaluation stage "—we haven't really done much digging in on that yet," the presenter said. He also described HVAC upgrades installed this past summer to add air conditioning and improved ventilation in large common areas at Marshall School, Maple Road and Mackin; those upgrades were completed in time for summer programs.
On technology, the presenter reiterated maintenance of the district's 1:1 Chromebook program and staff laptop distribution process. He said high school Chromebooks for the 2024–25 school year have been ordered using remaining ESSER funds but noted additional funding will be needed for other grade levels. The district is drafting a 3–5 year technology plan (mentioned as a joint effort by Mr. Winston and Dr. Furnari) and is implementing cyber‑risk mitigations including a VMware upgrade and a new website platform after concluding the prior webmaster contract. The phone system now includes a 911 call manager that routes emergency calls to the proper on‑site administrator and first responders.
Board members asked for clarification about funding and next steps; the administration said specific budgeting and timeline details will be brought back to the board as plans are finalized.
Next steps: Continue Hillcrest feasibility and turf evaluation; finalize technology plan and funding requests; proceed with planned capital work in alignment with available reserves and grant funds.
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