Coming Soon to Westfield Schools: Repairs, HVAC Work, McKinley Renovations

At its August 25, 2026 meeting, the Westfield Board of Education awarded contracts for construction and facility service work and approved maintenance reserve fund withdrawals for smaller projects. The board's decisions support ongoing school facilities improvements and system maintenance across the district.

McKinley Elementary School Renovations

The Board of Education selected M&M Construction Company of Cranford, NJ for additions and alterations to McKinley Elementary School. The company's base bid was $14,050,000, with options for an additional $125,000 of work on renovating an adjacent hallway and replacing existing window screens, for a total award of $14,175,000. The McKinley project represents significant capital investment in elementary school facilities and infrastructure modernization.

HVAC Commissioning Services

The board selected Concord Engineering Group Inc. of Voorhees, NJ to provide HVAC Commissioning Services for the district's referendum projects. This work involves review, testing, verification, documentation and commissioning of HVAC systems and related work from contractors awarded contracts for referendum work. The total amount for this contract is not to exceed $366,200. HVAC commissioning ensures proper system installation, efficiency, and compliance with design specifications.

Maintenance Reserve Fund Withdrawals

The board approved withdrawals totaling $179,086.31 from the maintenance reserve account for ten specific projects across district facilities:

Westfield High School: $12,935 for softball field renovations and $6,949.34 for floor renovations in room 280-S; $37,500 for hot water heater repairs and $3,275 for storm tree work.

Edison Intermediate School: $34,947.50 for solar panel removal for roof repairs, $12,000 for storm tree work, and $10,946.21 for grease trap interceptor repairs.

Roosevelt Intermediate School: $35,384.14 for grease trap interceptor repairs.

Washington Elementary School: $3,021.12 for Principal's Office floor renovations.

District-wide: $22,128 for gym floor and stage refinishing throughout the district.

The maintenance reserve account withdrawals support facility repairs and improvements essential to school operations and facility condition.

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Facility Condition and Capital Planning

School district facilities planning reflects assessment of building condition, infrastructure needs, and operational requirements. Capital projects and maintenance withdrawals support educational environment quality and facility sustainability.

Referendum-Funded Projects

The HVAC commissioning contract supports referendum-funded district improvements. Referendum funding enables capital projects addressing long-term facility needs and system modernization.

System Reliability and Maintenance

HVAC system commissioning ensures heating, ventilation, and air conditioning reliability. Proper commissioning and maintenance support comfort, energy efficiency, and occupant health and safety in school buildings.

Facility Modernization and Upgrades

McKinley Elementary renovations represent modernization and upgrade work improving educational facilities. Construction projects enhance building systems, accessibility, and educational environments.

Preventive Maintenance and Repairs

Maintenance reserve account withdrawals support preventive maintenance and repairs addressing facility condition. Timely repairs prevent larger problems and extend facility lifespan.

Board Governance and Procurement

The board unanimously approved all three items 7-0. Board members Kristen Sonnek-Schmelz and Patrick Duffy were not in attendance and did not vote. Board Member Julie Steinberg abstained on one section but voted in favor of the remaining items. Board oversight of procurement and contract awards ensures responsible fiscal management and vendor selection.

For Westfield Students, Families, and Community

The construction and maintenance projects support quality school facilities for students and staff. McKinley Elementary renovations will improve the building environment and educational spaces. District-wide maintenance projects support facility condition and operational reliability.

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Photo Credit: Westfield NJ Public Schools YouTube

FAQ

Q: What construction projects did Westfield schools approve?
A: The Board of Education approved McKinley Elementary additions/alterations ($14.175M), HVAC commissioning services ($366,200), and maintenance reserve fund withdrawals totaling $179,086.31 for facility repairs and improvements.

Q: When did the Board of Education approve these projects?
A: The board approved the contracts and withdrawals at its August 25, 2026 meeting.

Q: Who is the McKinley Elementary contractor?
A: M&M Construction Company of Cranford, NJ was selected for the McKinley Elementary project with a total award of $14,175,000.

Q: What does HVAC commissioning involve?
A: HVAC commissioning involves review, testing, verification, documentation and commissioning of heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems to ensure proper installation and efficiency.

Q: Which company provides HVAC commissioning services?
A: Concord Engineering Group Inc. of Voorhees, NJ was selected for a contract not to exceed $366,200.

Q: What facility improvements did the board fund with maintenance reserve withdrawals?
A: The board approved withdrawals for softball field renovations, floor renovations, hot water heater repairs, tree work, roof repairs, grease trap repairs, and gym floor/stage refinishing across district schools.

Q: How much did maintenance reserve withdrawals total?
A: The board approved withdrawals totaling $179,086.31 for ten specific projects across district facilities.

Q: How did the board vote on these projects?
A: The board unanimously approved all three items 7-0. Two board members were absent and one abstained on one section.