Midland Park school roof replacement projects set to begin

MIDLAND PARK A $955,075 roof replacement project approved by voters for schools in the district in April will begin in a few weeks.

The work involves the tear off and replacement of the roofs at Highland and Godwin elementary schools and about half the roof at Midland Park High School/Middle School, said School Board President Bill Sullivan. Part of the roof on the combined high school/middle school was replaced last year.

The money approved by cover about half the cost with the rest coming from surplus funds in this years budget, Sullivan said. In December, Midland Park voters rejected two ballot questions one asking to borrow $12.2 million to renovate the districts three schools, and the other to borrow $3.1 million for artificial turf, lights and other improvements to the high school athletic field and auditorium. Both were soundly defeated, the first rejected by voters 1,097 to 617 and the second 1,130 to 487.

A scaled-back referendum that targeted the roof repairs was put on the April 16 ballot for voters, along with the school board candidates. The funding was approved 1,009 to 570.

The June weather hasnt been a help, Sullivan said.

The recent heavy rains have caused the existing leaks to reappear at our three buildings, but no new problems have emerged of any significance, Sullivan said. Our plan is to have all the roofing work done over the summer when the students and majority of the staff are on break.

Sullivan is aware that heavy rains are again forecast for Thursday night and into Friday. The deluge will be similar to last week, weather forecasters say.

Hopefully well get a break from the recent wet weather for the last few weeks of school, but the forecast doesnt look promising, Sullivan said. Our administration and staff have done a great job managing the situation.

Email: coutros@northjersey.com

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Midland Park school roof replacement projects set to begin