In the early 2000s, DMR provided extensive services for the Tenafly Public Schools, helping to pass two referendums totaling $44 million to fund projects at all schools. These projects included renovations and additions to four schools, in addition to media centers, roof replacements and various interior renovations and upgrades at three more facilities.
In 2022, DMR was retained for the second time by the Tenafly Board of Education as the district sought to again bring all of their facilities up to modern standards.
DMR was tasked with the process of identifying hundreds of needs, consolidating needs gathered by administrators, previous professionals and DMR’s own surveys; developing a cost estimate for hundreds of projects; and identifying how projects could be organized to maximize funding sources, including through an Energy Savings Improvement Plan, Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER) funding, the district’s capital reserve, and what became a $76 million public referendum.
The successful $76 million referendum, passed in September 2024, prioritized more than 40 projects at all six schools, the Geissinger Athletic Complex and the Board Offices. DMR completed the required NJDOE applications and schematic drawings required for the referendum and assisted the district in gaining public support.
Following approval, DMR began implementing the projects, which to date includes five roof replacements, a chiller replacement at Tenafly High School, an elevator addition and drainage improvements at Stillman School and two-stage security entrances at all six schools at or near completion.
DMR continues to implement approved referendum projects and additional architect of record projects through a strategic plan that maximizes funding, time and resources and will deliver projects through 2029.
In addition to many additional improvements across the district, including door, window, restrooms and HVAC replacements, other projects ongoing include: the Field House at Geissinger Athletic Complex; middle school and high school auditoriums; middle school and high school locker rooms; multi-sport field at Tenafly High School; an addition to the middle school cafeteria; and a renovation to the main office at Tenafly Middle School.