BOE Notebook: Gym Alternatives, New Football Coach, School Repairs

The Matawan Aberdeen Regional School District Board of Education met Feb. 13 for their workshop meeting. Here are a few key notes which the board plans to take action on at the next regular action meeting on Monday, Feb. 27 at 7 p.m. at Strathmore Elementary School.

Cliffwood Elementary School Heating System

Business Administrator James Strimple explained to the board that they have to consider replacing the steam boilers at Cliffwood Elementary.

Currently, the school has a dual heating system. One part of the building has steam heat and the other part uses hot water. The steam boilers were installed in 1988, Strimple explained. The boilers are inspected annually by the State of NJ and, according to Strimple, they barely passed inspection this year. The district was instructed by the state to replace them this year.

In November 2011, the board appointed an engineering firm to the project and hoped to unify the two heating systems. However, that would cost over $2 million, Strimple said. The other option for the board is to have the steam boilers replaced, which is estimated to cost $650,000. Strimple said this price includes some extra funding for unexpected costs that may arise with a construction project of this nature.

Strimple is asking the board to authorize the engineering firm to prepare construction documents and go out to bid.

Cambridge Park School Parking Lot

Business Administrator James Strimple also suggested that the board move forward with repairs to the Cambridge Park School parking lot.

Strimple explained that the drainage system for the parking lot needs repairs, and the lot becomes flooded with only a moderate amount of rain. There are also multiple pot holes that need to be filled.

The parking lot and the heating system at Cliffwood Elementary were identified as the two most important renovation projects at this time in the district, Strimple said.

Head Varsity Football Coach Recommended

Interim Deputy Superintendent Patrick Peigari is recommending that the board appoint John Kaye as the head coach for the varsity football team.

According to Principal Michele Ruscavage, Kaye is currently an assistant coach for the varsity baseball team and teaches physical education at the high school. He plans to step down from his coaching position with the baseball team at the end of this season.

The meeting agenda indicates that Kaye would make $9,520 for the 2012-13 season, pending MRTA negotiations, if appointed.

Phys. Ed. Alternative for Student Athletes

Students who already dedicate a large portion of their time to athletics might have the option to take an additional academic course instead of physical education in the 2012-13 school year.

Superintendent David Healy is recommending that the board approve a program in accordance with N.J.A.C 6A:8-3.1(c)2 that would allow students who participate in two seasons of an NJSIAA sanctioned sport or who participate in a private fitness facility or in an organized fitness activity outside of school such as karate, gymnastics or dance to replace their physical education period with an additional academic class.

Healy said this could benefit student athletes on both ends of the spectrum. A struggling student would be able to take HSPA prep or an extra math or English class while an excelling student would have the opportunity to take an additional AP course.