Upper Soccer Field Recommended as GRHS Graduation Spot

Glen Rock students might get to on the high school athletic fields this year after all.

GRHS said Monday at the school board meeting that after having consulting with experts and the student body, he believes there remains a good chance prospective construction work will still allow for a ceremony on the high school's upper soccer field. The district is looking to clear long-standing drainage issues at the complex

The principal said the architect tasked to to quell the significant drainage issues at the high school field complex does not believe work at the football field could be delayed given the total scope of the project.

The district and construction officials initially considered Bergen Community College as well as and Coleman Schools, Arlotta said. All three have ample space but there are a few flaws with each, – first, students detest the idea of graduating outside borough boundaries; and secondly, the elementary schools are too far away from the auditorium should weather sour in late June.

"The solution that we feel is a reasonably good compromise and the students seem to be OK with is the upper soccer field," Arlotta said. "From the scope of the project, regardless of if it's done and how it's done, it looks like that portion of the project can be delayed until after the graduation date."

The space, he said, is large enough for seating, electricity and it largely meets the wishes of students.

The tenth annivesary of is expected to be moved to Hamilton School.

Bids are expected to come in later in February – with plans ranging from simply clearing the drainage and touching up the fields, to completely remodeling the complex – with a final vote scheduled on March 26.

Trustee Carlo Cella urged those in the audience to remember how many variables remain with the proposed $2.5 million project.

"Everything is contingent on getting favorable bids, getting back a construction plan from the ultimate winning bidder," Cella said. "So it's possible dates could change and shift around, and we make our adjustments and decisions when bids come back."

[Editor's note: Correction – Relay for Life is moving to Hamilton School. It was originally misidentified as moving to Coleman School.]