Schools

Montclair Schools Get Funds for Million Dollar Facelift

District awarded grants for capital projects at the district's 11 schools.

Montclair Schools were awarded $1 million in school facilities grants by the New Jersey Department of Education, Brian Fleischer, the district’s chief operations officer, announced Monday.

The grant funds from the “Grant Program for School Facilities Projects in Regular Operating Districts (ROD)” will be used for capital projects at the district’s 11 schools. They will cover 40% of the total estimated cost for each approved project, including:

  • At Montclair High School, repairing the amphitheater bridges, upgrading barrier-free ramps and entryways in multiple locations around the campus, renovating the men’s and women’s bathrooms near the cafeteria, and upgrading heating, ventilation and air conditioning equipment. Waterproofing to the masonry at the George Inness Annex will also be done.
  • All of the Montclair Public Schools will have security systems enhancements and window repairs.
  • Roof repairs at Bradford and Edgemont elementary schools
  • Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning upgrades at Glenfield Middle School, Renaissance at Rand Middle School, and Northeast and Watchung elementary schools
  • Masonry waterproofing at Northeast School
  • Field renovations at Bradford School to address drainage and erosion issues
  • Oil tank removal project at Glenfield School

“While the roof repairs and field drainage work at Bradford School may not seem very exciting, they are much needed and will help us maximize use of our school building and grounds for our students’ needs," Bradford School Principal Naomi Kirkman said. "As a district parent and building leader, I’m also very grateful for the district-wide security upgrades.”

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Many of these projects have been in the district’s long-term capital plan, while some — such as security systems improvements — emerged after last year’s BOE budget cycle, Fleischer said.

“We expect to execute many of these projects this coming summer,” he said. 

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Montclair last received ROD grants in 2009.


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