August 22 - August 28, 2010

The Board of Education meeting of August 23 and 26th was the talk of the town this week and for good reason. Not only does school costs represent the majority of our tax bill, but the ongoing construction is causing just concern for all residents with children who attend the school.

For those not familiar with what has been going on, two quick links from nj.com:

Franklin Township Fire Marshal orders school evacuated, ending school board meeting UPDATED

http://www.nj.com/hunterdon-county-democrat/index.ssf/2010/08/franklin_township_fire_marshal.html

and:

Construction may delay Franklin Township School opening to Sept. 27

http://www.nj.com/hunterdon-county-democrat/index.ssf/2010/08/construction_may_delay_frankli.html

Let the media and the gallery of comments (whom I fondly call the peanut gallery) speak for themselves. Lots of opinions out there- obviously this has become quite a story and it has hit a nerve for many residents.

I attended Thursday's meeting and as a member of the public I was taken back by the fact that the Board dismissed construction Manager Dave Tillou before the public was permitted to ask questions. I was also surprised and disappointed that the Board held their vote to approve change orders without first hearing public comment.

Board President Chris Piparo stated that the Board has a policy that the public cannot question Mr. Tillou at the Board meetings- he only receives questions and answers to the Board. Dr. Harttraft followed up by saying that Mr. Tillou's telephone number is on the school's website and anyone is free to call him anytime with questions. Well, I checked the school's website here:

http://www.ftschool.org/FTS_HOME/Construction_New.html

...and unfortunatly Mr. Tillou's contact information is no where to be seen. It is also unfortunate that "construction updates" was last updated on June 11: -6/9/10 Walls are going up and the roof is coming off. It looks like things a moving forward nicely.

Communication is key; keeping the Construction Page of the school's website up to date and accurate would help keep residents updated and possibly help quell misinformation and rumors that plague the project's progress. Perhaps a chart showing which tasks are complete, which are ongoing, and which ones are not yet complete would help illustrate the project in easy to read fashion? It is my opinion that in the name of public accountability Mr. Tillou should be required to attend the entire board meetings and answer questions- may they be from the public or from the Board members. The simple gesture of "accessibility" to the decision makers can only help; perhaps as we move forward the Board will re-examine their stance on this topic.

In my "real job" as a city planner for Plainfield I have managed several projects involving the restoration of our historic City Hall. One of my projects received an award from the NJ State Historic Preservation Office (see: http://www.state.nj.us/dep/hpo/4sustain/awds2002.htm scroll down to the 3rd project). Having experience in very public projects I do have sympathy for Mr. Tillou and the Board; but I also value the importance of accountability to the public and providing up to date information at any given notice.

Setbacks aside, let's work together, keep the information current and accurate, and support the completion of the school.