School Officials 'Hit Ground Running in 2012' For Referendum

The Fort Lee Board of Education and school district officials are "hitting the ground running in 2012 with a focus on passing the referendum," according to information released by Acting Superintendent of Schools Steven Engravalle Monday.

The Board of Education's recently unveiled “Bond Referendum 2012” website now includes a section devoted specifically to science lab renovations—complete with downloadable plans and "before and after" images—at and “to provide students with a 21st Century learning environment that will support their success in an increasingly competitive world.”

As of Tuesday, the website will also include a document called “Straight Talk: Answers to the most common questions regarding the Fort Lee Public Schools 2012 Bond Referendum” and an updated Referendum 2012 brochure.

The FAQ document includes the following topics:

• General Information
• Enrollment Compared to Capacity
• Bond and Tax Impact
• Voting Information
• Project Design and Program
• Construction Information
• Grant Funding and Eligibility
• Getting More Information

The science lab renovation plan calls for upgrades at two middle school labs and renovations and upgrades at eight outdated labs at the high school. At about $3.98 million, science lab renovations at Fort Lee High School account for more than half of the estimated project cost at the school. Of that, the state share would be about $1.6 million.

At Lewis F. Cole, an estimated $11.26 million (with a state share of a little more than $2 million) would go toward "additions and renovations," but included in that estimate is a one-story addition to the school linking its two wings and adding 15,250 square feet and five new classrooms, in addition to the science lab renovations.

“Renovations will include HVAC, lighting, and power upgrades to maintain safety and allow for technology use,” according to the website. “They will have updated casework and storage, including a prep room, so that rooms are as efficient as possible for the variety of science activities that our students need.”

For more information on science lab renovations and the referendum in general, visit the BOE’s “Bond Referendum 2012” website.

School officials are holding a second community forum meeting Tuesday evening at the at 7 p.m., and the next public walking tour is scheduled for Wednesday at 11:00 a.m. starting at the board offices on Whiteman Street.