The Cherry Hill school district faces a number of construction projects as the new school year approaches.
During committee reports at the board of education’s recent meeting, member Adam Greenbaum gave an update on work in progress thanks to passage of last year’s bond referendum.
Projects expected to be complete by Aug. 15 are roof replacement at Cherry Hill East and West; Beck Middle School; and Woodcrest, Barton, Kilmer, and Kingston elementary schools; and roof restoration at Sharp, Cooper and Knight elementary schools.
There will also be an HVAC replacement at Sharp, Woodcrest and Kingston that is expected to be finished by the start of fall classes, with any additional work done outside of school hours.
Rosa Middle School is getting hazardous material abatement and new lockers, and All-Purpose Room (APR) bids for Kingston, Barton, Sharp, Knight, Johnson and Mann elementary schools are anticipated to open in October and be awarded by Oct. 17. The goal is for APRs to be done by March 2025. Stadium lights at East High are expected to be finished in spring of 2024.
Greenbaum also noted in his update that there will be a partial replacement of the D wing at West, along with HVAC work. He also announced new playgrounds at Thomas Paine and Brett Hart elementary schools expected by September.
The district also plans to update its website
“Unfortunately, because things are literally changing on a daily basis, we need to update (the website),” noted district Business Administrator Lynn Shugars. “What we’re working on now is providing financial information to accompany the summary information that’s on the Cherry Hill tomorrow website.”
She noted that her goal is to provide information without overwhelming residents.
During HR reports, board member Corrien Elmore Stratton also highlighted the need for language teachers at the elementary- and middle-school levels.
“There’s several positions open,” she announced. “There’s a high need for elementary- and middle-school language teachers, so we still need some people to fill these seats. Not just BOBs, or bodies on board, but quality people who are ready to take care of our most precious assets.”
The district is also hiring for child care, with Elmore Stratton encouraging high- schoolers to give back to their elementary schools by helping out.
Several board members also acknowledged donations to the district. West Theater Boosters donated $5,240 for the spring musical and East Musicians and the On Call Club donated $5,653.61 to purchase instruments for elementary schools.
To stay up to date with bond referendum projects, visit https://www.chclc.org/Page/2647.
The next board of education meeting will be on Tuesday, Sept. 22 at 6:30 p.m.
