District outlines summer construction, Alyssa’s Law upgrades and water lead testing plans

District facilities staff used the buildings and grounds committee to report on project closeouts, pending bids and health-and-safety preparations.

Lede: The district said its ESIP energy-management work is in closeout and that multiple referendum sites are finishing punch‑list items. Six bids for Intermediate South were submitted and are under review; staff said they hope to begin work immediately after the end of the school year if documentation and contractor selection are approved.

Nut graf: Facilities staff also reported they are preparing grant-funded site repairs, executing Alyssa’s Law security upgrades (used to fund generators and emergency equipment), and inventorying drinking fountains and food-prep areas as part of required water lead testing with a compliance submission due by July 2025.

Details: Staff said some air‑conditioning units remain under warranty troubleshooting at certain sites and that work such as roof-hatch replacements will be prioritized for occupant safety. The district noted a preconstruction meeting for a recently-bid project and that the Tom River Township planning board approved exterior signage at Intermediate East. The Ocean County Health Department visited six schools to verify permitted air equipment, and the district awaits IPM (Integrated Pest Management) and chemical-inventory reports.

Revenue and operations note: Board members queried a large payment line tied to arena sponsorship commissions; staff explained the district remits a promoter commission on sponsorship revenue generated at RWJ Barnabas Arena and noted arena events are a recurring revenue source.

Next steps: The board was told a recommendation for the Intermediate South construction manager is expected at a future meeting and that closeout documents will be submitted to finalize ESIP work.