Vernon Board of Education discusses benefits of new swimming pool

vernon - An official decision on whether to submit a $13-million bond referendum to township voters will not be made until Aug. 25, but the Vernon Township Board of Education is already enthusiastically promoting its benefits. The bond would fund a large number of improvements to several schools, but the centerpiece of the proposal is a $7.5-million swimming pool that would be added to the high school. "I think the town made a mistake when it didn't include a pool when it built the high school," said Howard J. Whidden, Jr., the board president, at the July 28 board meeting. The board has scheduled a meeting for Aug. 23 to hear an auditor's report on the cost to taxpayers of the bond as well as the cost of operating the pool. The board will vote at another meeting on Aug. 25 on whether to submit the referendum to voters in a special election in December. With a handful of citizens on hand, several of whom asked questions about the bond and the pool, Superintendent of Schools Anthony Macerino said, "The pool will be open to everyone. This is a huge opportunity for the community." Board members noted that the school's swim team, which has won numerous championships at every level of competition, including the state, has to travel to Sussex County Technical School for practices and meets. It also pays to rent the tech school's pool. Vernon has has no public indoor pool. A private pool is available at the Minerals Resort, and the new YMCA in Hardyston also has a pool. Macerino said that the cost of maintaining a pool in the high school would be offset by fees collected from swim clubs and other groups that may rent the proposed 25-meter pool. "Revenue could exceed $100,000 a year," he said. Macerino and board members said that the pool would be open to the community, including senior citizens and the disabled. "I see this as good for the whole town, and I hope we do it," said Whidden. "This will only add to the value of the school district to the people in town. "In my mind, it's a no-brainer." One citizen, Tony Federici, noted that the school district already has a model phyiscal education program, "and you're proposing to spend $7.5 million for something you're already accomplishing." Other projects proposed for the bond include upgrades to two elementary schools, renovations to the high-school auditorium and a new football stadium and all-weather track. n To sell or not to sell Since 1978, the Vernon Township Board of Education has been headquartered on Route 515 in a building that was erected in 1903 and which previously served as a school and then as the municipal building. Suddenly, with the new town center's main street being constructed behind the building, it has become a desirable property to developers. At the same time, local historical groups are trying to have the building preserved as a historic site. With offers for the property coming in, Superintendent of Schools Anthony Macerino asked the board whether it wanted to declare the building not for sale. "Let's not be in the position of saying, ‘We're not moving,' said board member John McGowan. "We have to remain open-minded about everything," member Joseph A. Sweeney agreed. Member Cynthia Auberger argued for staying in the building. "There are other old school buildings," she said, "but this is the only one we own and operate. The building serves 5,000 students and is one of the larger employers in Sussex County. It's bringing more people into the town center." "We still pay no taxes," countered McGowan, noting that the property would be more valuable to the town as a commercial ratable. Dolores Dobbs, a local historian contacted after the meeting, said that she'd like to see the building preserved, but said it doesn't necessarily have to continue to serve as the board's headquarters. "If it could be saved, I think it should be," she said. Dobbs pointed to other historic buildings in town that have been converted to office use and said the same could be done with the board building . "It's going to be a very valuable piece of property," said Board President Howard J. Whidden, Jr. "For us to dig in our heels and say we're never going to sell may not be the best course." n Board bans cell phones The board adopted a policy banning cell phones and paging devices on all school property "during the instructional day." Violation of the ban could result in confiscation of the devices and other disciplinary action. Exempt would be seniors who are active members of volunteer fire companies or first-aid, ambulance and rescue squads. n Mold removal at Glen Meadow Assistant Superintendent Dr. Barbara Cozine reported that work is underway to correct a mold problem in Glen Meadow Middle School. The work will cost $22,000, she said, and was to be completed within a week.