Jefferson Schools Receive Grant For Sandy Damage

The Jefferson Township School district will receive funding on Dec. 1 from a New Jersey insurance fund for the first round of reimbursements from Sandy damage.

The district is one of five in Morris County receiving the funding from the School Alliance Insurance Fund, according to a release from SAIC on Tuesday.

The other districts include Hanover Park, Harding Township, Mt. Olive and Rockaway.

SAIF Chairwoman Stephanie Voorhees said in the release that all of the districts received $5 million from Lexington Insurance as a prepayement for losses that could eventually amount to $20 million statewide.

She said the final amount will be based on inspections from insurance adjustors, who are working to check the claims for damaged roofs, solar panels, school equipment and grounds. They are also checking for flood losses and food spoilage, she said.

The individual reimbursements will range from $1,000 to $7.5 million, depending on the severity of the claim.

“The schools desperately need these funds,” Voorhees said in the release. “This is by far the most catastrophic damage we’ve ever seen in New Jersey. Our hearts go out to all the schools, children, teachers and parents impacted by Sandy. A lot of work needs to be done, and we’re happy to be part of the rebuilding effort.”

The schools that will be reimbursed are part of the 144-member SAIF organization. The organization is based in West Windsor, and covers every county.

Voorhees said that the "fund has been offering lower insurance rates to selected school districts with excellent insurance records for more than 15 years."