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Faber Construction Project - Update 12/10/25

Posted Date: 12/10/25 (04:17 PM)
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Faber Construction Update

Universal Preschool Expansion Facilities Project

December 10, 2025
Image of Superintendent Dan Ross

Dear Parents,

This is the second update on the Universal Preschool Expansion Facilities Project at Faber Elementary School. The first update and other information about the project can be found at the new *Construction Information* page on the district website!

This page contains an overview of the project, funding details, a new FAQ section, and other construction updates. It will be updated regularly as the project continues.
 

Asbestos Abatement - Winter Break

I am pleased to share that the asbestos abatement originally planned for January has been moved to Winter break. Our contractor (Northeastern) was open to this move in order to address some of the concerns that have been shared by our school community.

In addition to the robust safety plans in place, we will also have our own abatement company on site to monitor the work of the subcontractor. This will ensure the following:
  • The area being abated is fully contained and isolated from the rest of the building
  • Engineering controls such as HEPA filtered negative air machines are properly incorporated
  • All HVAC components are isolated from the remainder of the building
  • Appropriate decontamination procedures are followed

Our company will also take daily air samples and final air quality testing will be completed before any area is reoccupied to ensure a safe return in January.
 

APR Stage Demolition - Monday, 12/15

Demolition of the APR stage will begin Monday after school and work will continue after school for a few days. No work will be completed during the school day.

In order to seal the stage and protect the cafeteria from dust, an 8 foot high metal stud and plywood barricade wall will be installed in front of the stage along with plastic sheeting barrier from the top wooden beam to the wall.

District staff will clean the cafeteria thoroughly each morning as an extra precaution regarding any dust that might have settled on the floor. We will also be taking air quality measurements in the area as the project continues.
 

Student Meals After Winter Break - Faber Gym

The Faber APR will be closed as of Winter break, and we have been working on a feasible solution for the serving of student meals. After much discussion, we have finalized a plan to serve meals on one side of the Faber gym.

A rubberized floor solution and the cafeteria tables will be set up and broken down daily by the facilities team to ensure the gym floor is protected. We will have increased custodial staffing at Faber to support this work.

One alternative discussed was to have students eat in their classrooms, but that plan introduced a wide range of disruptions including cleaning protocols, meal delivery, staffing, pest control, and loss of instructional time.

New student safety procedures will also be determined for drills that occur during the lunch periods.
 

Construction Updates - Future

I will continue to provide updates about this work via ParentSquare and through the district website.

Monthly construction updates will also be shared at each Board of Education meeting through the completion of the project.

Thank you for your continued support!
 
#smalltownvibes #buildingrelationships #creativityandinnovation

Daniel J. Ross, Esq.
Superintendent, Dunellen Public Schools
400 High Street
Dunellen, NJ 08812