Greenwich Township School District hopes to make facility improvements with grants

Saturday, January 30, 2010
By SARAH M. WOJCIK
The Express-Times

GREENWICH TWP. | When the economy takes a dive, old facilities don't stop aging. That can pose a problem for school districts.

The Greenwich Township school board has applied for two grants that would pay for a roof replacement, solar panels and other improvements at district buildings.

Taxpayers are already burdened, Superintendent Maria Eppolite said, so the projects won't move forward without grants.

"Between grants, the refinancing of bonds and debt service aid there should no tax impact to the community," Eppolite said.

The district is applying to the New Jersey Schools Development Authority to replace the roof and windows at Stewartsville Middle School and for work at Greenwich Elementary School.

The district also is seeking money from New Jersey Clean Energy Program Smart Start Buildings for solar panels at both schools and lighting replacement at Stewartsville Middle School.

Eppolite said the middle school roof needs a replacement after undergoing several repairs. Erected in 1969, the middle school received an addition in 1995, according to district Business Administrator Victoria Stevens.

Architects have recommended looking into solar panel technology while the work is being done on the roof, Eppolite said.

Though cost estimates are not yet available for the solar panels and lighting, Eppolite said the district expects to recoup some of the investment through energy savings.

The Greenwich Township School Board hired Rockaway, N.J.-based firm Parette Somjen Architects for $20,000 to prepare the grant applications. Grant submissions were due Friday.

Eppolite said buildings need care even in a poor economy.

"As school administrators and as board members we have to ensure the facilities are taken care of in a financially prudent manner, and (grants are the) best way to do it," Eppolite said.