To the Editor:

These days one can’t underestimate the element of sustainability when building maintenance issues come to the fore. The Board of Education takes this responsibility very seriously. Both energy efficiency and sustainability have been a major focus in prioritizing the list of capital maintenance projects included in the September 24 bond referendum.

As many taxpayers will appreciate, the Board has been striving to minimize tax increases and striving to come in under every cap set at the state level. However, large maintenance/replacement projects now need attention and funding. Window and door replacement; new roofs; lighting and lighting controls’ and other building systems are by far the largest portion of the proposed work, representing nearly a third of the dollar value of the referendum. Leaking roofs, windows, and doors put expensive equipment and fixtures of all kinds at risk. Attending to these projects allows the Board to protect district assets while taking steps to minimize our buildings’ carbon footprint and reduce operating expenses.

Some may ask why the Board isn’t going further, why not install solar? Ironically, our joint purchase consortium for energy has seen such a dramatic decline (down nearly 25 percent for the next two years) that a solar project we analyzed for JWMS and PHS would have had a 40-year payback. No tax-funded organization could seriously consider such a project. However, by the time the proposed work is completed, all compatible preliminary roof work will have been done to take advantage of market inducements, such as the NJ SHEQ program, as opportunities present themselves in the future.

Please take the time to vote on September 24, or apply for your absentee ballot now.

Dorothy Bedford

Prospect Avenue,Chair, Facilities Committee, PPS