Schools

BOE President Says Fields Plan Moving Forward

Dr. Frank Calabria says he does not know what voters will decide, but is glad public's view will be heard.

Now that the n is overseeing the move to improve athletic facilities at and high schools, the work begins--and school board President Frank Calabria says planning is in motion.

According to Calabria, the school district has an architect working on speculative plans for improvements that could include artificial turf fields, new fencing, modernized lights, refurbished track ovals and upgraded restrooms and concession stands.

At this point, any of these items is prospective. What ultimately survives as part of the plan will be discussed among the school board members.

Because the , which could take place at the end of 2012, the people ultimately will decide what happens and what portions of the eventual plan, if any, will be okayed.

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Calabria said he is not sure how a referendum on athletic improvements will fall.

"Before I can answer that, I want to see specs from our architect and administrative team," he said. "Once we see that, I will have a better clue as to how a referendum might go down."

Find out what's happening in Parsippanywith free, real-time updates from Patch.

The president said he is happy to see citizens given an opportunity to have a major say as to what will happen at the high schools.

"I'm pleased to have the community give us input and express their concerns," he said. "A lot of people are asking how they can help, and I appreciate that. Whatever happens, clearly the public will have a say, and I think that's appropriate."

As to how soon the project can move forward, Calabria said it depends on how fast architectural plans can be completed.

"I was hoping we could have plans in a couple of weeks, but it takes time," he said. "I'm trying to push to have the specs as soon as possible."

The president said he hopes the project unfolds in such a way that the district can get as much as possible from each dollar spent on improving the schools' athletic facilities.

Calabria said the fields subject may arise when the BOE meets Thursday night at 7 p.m. at Parsippany High School.

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