Leaky roofs are an issue at Indian Mills Memorial School. Voters will head to the polls on Tuesday, Dec. 9, to vote on the $25 million referendum.
Voters will head to the polls on Tuesday, Dec. 9, to decide on a $25-million referendum that will “update building systems and integrity and improve an indoor environment that directly benefits student needs” at Indian Mills Memorial School and Indian Mills School in Shamong Township.
“Despite extensive ‘band-aid’ repairs, the actively leaking roofs are past their service life and need immediate action,” schools officials state on the school district website. “The heating and ventilation equipment is currently more than 30 years old and beyond its service life.”
The pre-K-to-8 district has and continues to budget for a variety of facility needs, but is unable to fund all larger, big-ticket items without a referendum. Architect planners with Fraytak Veisz Hopkins and Duthie P.C. (FVHD) presented the plan at a board of education meeting in October.
The state will contribute 34% of the cost for eligible projects through debt-service aid for an approved referendum.
Following are $15.5 million in projects planned at Indian Mills Memorial School:
- Solar-ready roofing replacement includes a solar-panel removal allowance
- HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning) upgrades to classrooms
- Replace cabinet uUnit heaters
- Replace three boilers
- HVAC upgrades in the gym and cafeteria with gas-fired DX (direct expansion) units
- HVAC ATC (Automatic Temperature Controls) System to the entire building
- Replace original water heaters
Following are $9.5 million in projects planned at Indian Mills School:
- Solar-ready roofing replacement includes solar panel removal allowance
- Replace three boilers
- HVAC Upgrades in the gym and cafeteria with gas-fired DX (direct expansion) units
- HVAC ATC (Automatic Temperature Controls) System for the entire building
- Replace water heater
- Replace generator
- Replace/upgrade roof-mounted electrical service conduits
The state share of the referendum is $8.5 million and the share project cost to be paid by the school district totals $16.5 million. For an average assessed home at $309,500, the annual tax increase will total $410. The monthly tax increase will total $34 per month.
For more information about the referendum, visit www.shamongschools.org.
