The school year may be ending in the Mt. Laurel School District, but work on numerous capital improvements is just beginning.
At last Tuesday’s board of education meeting, the board unanimously approved a five-year, $220,000 capital lease purchase to pay for the Larchmont Elementary School roof replacement. A special public hearing was held prior to the regular portion of the meeting.
“This is all a formality to hold a public hearing and let the public voice their opinion,” assistant superintendent for business Robert Wachter said.
Wachter said interest rates remain low, meaning interest payments will remain minimal.
Wachter added work on the roof has already begun. The school district is hoping to have it finished prior to the start of the 2015–16 school year.
“The Larchmont roof project is under way,” he said. “We’ve had a bit of rain that’s held it up.”
The roof replacement is one of many capital improvements to take place across the school district this summer. Other improvements include the installation of exterior lighting at Larchmont, expansion of the district’s solar energy program to Larchmont and Hillside Schools, a new telecommunications system in the district and security upgrades such as additional security cameras and strobe lights. All of the capital improvements other than the Larchmont roof were included in the district’s 2015–16 budget.
Wachter said all of the projects will be under way shortly after the final day of school on June 23.
Superintendent thanks staff, first responders
Superintendent Antoinette Rath took a portion of the meeting to thank teachers, staff, Mt. Laurel Police and first responders for their assistance in keeping students safe after Parkway School and Harrington Middle School received phone threats on June 2 and June 8, respectively.
On June 2, Parkway School was locked down after a man called the school saying he was in the building with a gun. On the evening of June 8, Mt. Laurel Police received a call about a bomb inside Harrington Middle School. There was nothing found inside either of the schools.
Rath said teachers did the best job they could in responding to the threats and keeping students as calm as possible. She also said the police worked in harmony with the district is keeping everyone informed and safe.
“Every time we call upon them, they are there,” Rath said.
Rath added the students and staff were able to respond accordingly at Parkway thanks to security drills the school practices throughout the year. Each school is required to practice one security drill per month.
Retirees, 25-year teachers honored
The board of education honored 26 retiring teachers and 14 teachers celebrating 25 years in the Mt. Laurel School District during a staff recognition ceremony prior to the public portion of the meeting. Each honoree received a small gift from the administration and the board as thanks for their service to the district.
