Livingston’s Board of Education approved two modular unit projects and interior renovations at Burnet Hill and Hillside during its Tuesday, May 23, meeting.
Interior renovations will be done to “take what used to be classrooms and convert them back into larger classrooms,” according to superintendent Matthew Block. The Board will be withdrawing funds from its capital reserve accountto support theprojects.
These facilities projects come after three months of discussion leading up to the Board’s budget approval on April 25. Superintendent Matthew Block has said at previous meetings that the need for classroom expansion reflects high enrollment trends.
According to latest state data, Livingston Public Schools saw a district-wide 3.16 percent enrollment increase from 2021-22 to fall 2023, which is consistent with last year’s percentage increase.
The Board approved DiCara Rubino Architects to construct the modular units on the properties of Burnet Hill and Hillside.
Architects working on the construction projects are scheduled to visit a Board meeting on June 12 to answer questions and provide updates on the site.
“In the meantime, the architechts have been working on making an application to the Planning Board here in Livingston, and he’s operating with the Board attorney. And so that process is moving along all simultaneously, and it’ll be moving quickly,” interim business administrator Dora Zeno said.
A parent-oriented forum will take place Tuesday, May 30, covering safety, security and how exposure to violence affects adolescents. An openended forum with the superintendent will be held on June 8.
Personnel
The Board also approved the resignation of Livingston High School English teacher Kieran Nugent, whose final day of employment will be June 30.
Heritage Middle School math teacher Thomas Truscello will be taking a leave ofabsence from September 4 to November 27.
Board members appointed Burnet Hill library media specialist Alexis Becker and Livingston High School math teacher Jeffrey Lapidus. They will both begin work on August 30.
Several non-affiliated staff, IT support specialists, custodial and maintenance staff, and transportation staff members were reappointed for the 2023-24 academic year.
