Also in 2016, the old Moorestown Library was demolished, the Community House hired a new executive director and MTPS selected a superintendent.
Old library demolished
In early fall 2015, Moorestown Theater Company’s Producing Artistic Director Mark Morgan spoke to council about the possibility of using the old library location as a performing arts center. Just a few weeks later, council unanimously approved awarding a contract for the demolition of the old library at the Oct. 19, 2015 meeting.
Unfortunately, the old Moorestown library demolition was delayed into the New Year due to asbestos being found in the building. Due to the special nature of how the asbestos must be treated, a resolution of a change order in the contract of $70,045.92 was on the agenda and approved by council.
At council’s Jan. 25 meeting, a discussion commenced related to what the space could be used for in the future. Yet, in February, the old Moorestown library once again was found to have asbestos, adding more cost to the demolition project than originally planned for the second time.
Council approved an ordinance on second reading on Feb. 22 to set aside $160,000 and borrow $152,000 to be used for the removal of asbestos from the old library building. With this addition, the library demolition costs increased by about 20 percent, to $600,000.
Demolition of the library began in the spring and has since been completed.
Moorestown Community House
After a fire ripped through the east attic of the Moorestown Community House in November 2015, the building sustained little damage and the community came together to help. The next day, repair companies were already at the MCH looking at damage and seeing what could be done for repair.
Last month, Caryn Lynch was named the new executive director of the Moorestown Community House. As executive director, Lynch is responsible for helping to sustain the Community House as a civic, social and cultural community center.
While in the past she has frequented the Community House, which has been open for more than 90 years, in her new role, she plans to continually evaluate the space and look for ways to enhance the interior and exterior of the building while maintaining its historic roots. Although the Community House is still undergoing changes due to the 2015 fire, Lynch is excited to showcase a new bridal suite, improved Club Room, Executive Boardroom and fully equipped modernized kitchen, among other changes in the near future.
Scott McCartney selected as new MTPS superintendent
The position of Moorestown Township Public Schools superintendent has been a shaky one the past few years. Last August, Timothy J. Rehm resigned from the position, making him the third superintendent who has left the school district within the past three years. The first was John Bach, who retired in 2012 after five years with MTPS, and the sudden resignation of Brian Betze in 2013.
Last year, the board enlisted New Jersey Association of School Administrators officials Phil Heery — McCartney’s predecessor as superintendent in Egg Harbor Township — and Judee DeStefano to help with the superintendent search. The firm brought in 17 candidates, and the board selected the top five to interview on the first round. Then, the nine board members reduced the pool to three candidates for the second round. The search firm also held two public meetings during the process, on Feb. 3 and 11, to get input from the community on what it wanted to see in a superintendent.
Goldenberg said the board was been transparent with the superintendent search from the beginning, appointing Business Administrator and Board Secretary Lynn Shugars as acting superintendent, the subsequent appointment of Butler as interim, and the hiring of a professional search firm.
The night of the MTPS Board of Education meeting at which the new superintendent appointment was to be made, members of the community expressed their opposition to an appointment because they felt Butler was the best fit.
Ultimately, the BOE approved Scott P. McCartney as the new MTPS superintendent in a 6–1 vote, with board member Caryn Shaw being the only one in opposition.
