The Millstone Times August 2020

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After a review of several potential capital improvement projects, the Superintendent has recommended that an installation of a turf field to replace the ex- isting stadium field at Allentown High School would serve the highest need at this time. Carefully considering the future long-term needs of our district and given the most common critique he receives relates to the condition of our playing fields, we believe that installing the field will positively impact the largest number of kids. It will also provide us with a “first domino” that allows for the future improvement of all fields in the district by providing the critical rest that is needed for their ongoing repair. Importantly, we are united as a Board in ensuring that we limit any future budget impact that may result from this project to the lowest amount possible, and we are confident that we can complete the project with minimal long-term financial impact that in no way impairs the education of our students. We understand that this year’s annual budget presentation, as it does in most years, included a discussion regarding the difficult decisions we’ve made in order to balance our budget. We would have liked to use the money we’ve saved in our reserve accounts to close this year’s budget gap, but the law does not allow us to use those funds in that manner. We are proceeding on this project in a very deliberate manner. The Board’s Athletic and Facilities committees have evaluated different forms of turf and infill for both quality and cost. Our Finance committee has studied the best methods for payment as well. The entire board has taken multiple visits to other schools to both walk on their fields and discuss installation projects with their administrators, including older fields to discuss replacement. As a full Board, we have studied the vast research connected to health and safety. We are now confident that this project can both be prudently paid for and deliver its intended benefits. Interestingly, we have learned that Allentown High School would become the 255th out of 377 high schools in the state to install a turf field. We will join the two-thirds of NJ high schools that have already come to a similar decision on its benefits. We intend to share all information and some frequently asked questions on the installation with our communities through our UFRSD website, which can be reached here: www.ufrsd.net. Despite the current environment, we believe this is a very exciting development for our district. We hope you do too. We remain committed to providing our students with the best possible resources that we can provide. The installation of a new turf field could be a terrific way to welcome our students back to school in the fall. Prudent financial management has put us in this position, and we intend to make certain that our students benefit from it. Sincerely, The Upper Freehold Regional Board of Education

22 The Millstone Times

August 2020