State Awards $2M Grant to Westwood Regional Schools

Westwood Regional Schools will receive $2,473,745 in funding from the state for various projects to improve district buildings, Interim Superintendent James Sheerin confirmed.

The Regular Operating District grants will cover about 40 percent of the cost for work on the roofs at the high school, middle school, George School and Brookside School, as well as a project to replace the second floor facade, windows and air conditioners at the high school, according to Sheerin.

The rest of the money for the projects will come from the district's capital reserve budget.

"The good news is, we got a considerable amount of money for these projects from the state and the taxpayers don't have to come up with any additional money," Sheerin said.

The projects are expected to cost a total of $6,184,362, including $2,760,152 for the Westwood Regional High School roof, $136,140 for the Westwood Regional Middle School roof, $209,080 for the George School roof, $122,400 for the Brookside School rood and $2,956,590 for the high school facade.

Officials previously said the facade was "falling apart" in places with mesh wiring becoming exposed in areas.

"It doesn't look as bad from a distance, but the windows have to be replaced," Sheerin said. "That's going to help for energy conservation as well."

After the district goes out to bid, Sheerin said he expected some projects could start as soon as the spring or next summer.