On June 6, 2012, a $28,944,688.00 proposal was presented to the Haddonfield Board of Education for capital improvements for the five existing schools — High School, Middle School, Tatem, Elizabeth Haddon and Central elementary schools.
This proposal was presented by Garrison Architects, engaged architect by the BOE for the Bancroft project.
These improvements include but are not limited to; repairs, renovations, and infrastructure needs.
The proposal suggests that funding for these necessities may be derived from State funds and/or a bond referendum.
The Haddonfield Board of Education has not made this proposal known to the public. At the Nov. 27, 2012 BOE meeting, former BOE member Brett Harrison and I presented a color, bound copy of this proposal.
After much discussion and denial of the proposal’s existence by some members of the BOE, President Weinstein stated that the proposal was developed for purposes of meeting NJ State Department of Education Long Range Facilities Plan requirements.
It would seem that school district needs stated in this proposal are warranted and need addressing.
On Jan. 22 the voters of Haddonfield will be asked to vote on a Bond Referendum for the purchase of the Bancroft property. This Bond Referendum is for $12,500,000.00. This money is in addition to the $30million+/- bond money that taxpayers have given to the District 1999–2004.
It is reasonable to expect that money is and will be necessary to maintain and improve upon the quality education provided to Haddonfield’s children. It is also reasonable to expect fiscal responsibility from the BOE in deciding financial outlay.
Is purchasing this property necessary given financial requirements presented in the June 6 proposal.
Haddonfield residents must have all information available to them prior to making decision.
I ask the Haddonfied Board of Education and the Borough of Haddonfield to make all fiscal information available to residents for this purpose.
Angela Melzi
