'Fingers Crossed' for Continued Success on School Construction Projects

Construction on referendum projects throughout Ridgewood schools are underway and going according to schedule, Superintendent Dr. Daniel Fishbein said Monday.

"Things are moving along and are busy in all of our buildings," Fishbein said in an update to the Board of Education. "We're keeping our fingers crossed that everything will be done in time for the school year."

Approved by voters in a $48.3 million bond referendum vote in December 2009, the renovation projects to district's elementary, middle and high school buildings and fields commenced following the school year and appear to be "going well."

Roofing and exterior door updates are occurring at several buildings. To date, roofing projects have begun at Ridgewood High School, Benjamin Franklin Middle School, and Somerville, Willard, Hawes, and Travell Elementary Schools. Last week's rain impacted the process at the high school as some water damage was caused by leaking.

So far, the high school has seen the most activity. The structure, built in 1919, will have its roofing done by August, as well as interior and exterior doors and some emergency lighting also replaced.

Most visibly apparent is the field work being done at the RHS Stadium and Stevens Field. The latter—along North Irving Street—has its field entirely dug up (with some dirt moved to the BF track). Soil removal at the RHS Stadium began Tuesday. Installation of synthetic turf and—as approved by the Board of Education Monday—lighting fixtures will occur at the fields.

Other projects have started at schools scattered throughout Ridgewood. Air condition installation at Benjamin Franklin has begun for the auditorium. The asbestos abatement at Willard is ahead of schedule. At Ridge Elementary School, hallway, ceiling and piping replacements are under way. 

Door replacements at Somerville are going well, as they are at the Glen School. In addition, the latter's window replacement have also commenced.

The project—financed through taxpayer bonds, debt service and grants—intends for most work to be done while school is out, with less disruptive renovations occurring during the school year.