Council Authorizes $9.8 Million Bond Ordinance for School Projects

A $9.8 million bond ordinance was unanimously passed at Tuesday's council meeting for the purpose of funding a number of improvements at schools around Woodbridge.

The bond's main purpose is to fund 23 improvement projects, including artificial turf football and baseball fields at Colonia High School and John F. Kennedy High School, a new track at Kennedy high school, stadium renovations at Woodbridge High School, playgrounds at five schools and air conditioning units at the three high schools. 

The total estimate for the projects is $9,686,000, according to the township. However, those numbers are estimates and not bid specifications, Hagerty said.

They cannot go to bid until financing is secure, he said. 

After Tuesday's passage, the bond will not become official for at least another month. 

"In the interim, it takes about 30 days in order to get the bond purchased, financed and in place," Hagerty said. 

Interest on the bond will not be due for two years, as which point the CPV Energy Center in Keasbey will be running and generating revenue for Woodbridge, said township spokesman John Hagerty. 

The township will use those funds for principal and interest payments on the bond, Hagerty said. 

A handful of educators from the school district, including a board member and the district superintendent thanked the council for their passage of the bond.

Port Reading School #9 principal Patricia Fitzgerald said she was in favor of the projects, as they will improve the school facilities and the worth of the town.

Superintendent Robert Zega said the project was "monumental" and "historic" for the school district. 

"10 years from now when we have the best facilities...I'll be happy to say I was a part of it," he said. 

A few member of the public also had their concerns.

John Vrtaric, a first ward resident and recently defeated candidate in the township elections, said he didn't believe the bond money should be used just for school projects. There are more pressing needs in Woodbridge, he said.