In a unanimous vote, the Montclair Board of Education passed a Set-Aside Resolution at its January 22 meeting. Superintendent Jonathan Ponds and Business Administrator/Board Secretary Christina Hunt explained that this resolution will ensure that 20% of the Bond Referendum projects will be designated towards minority, women and small business enterprises for professional services and construction projects. This is the first of its kind to intentionally structure portions of construction projects and professional services for these enterprises. “This resolution is a tangible example of how the District is focused on equity and our commitment to giving back to the community, as we hope to attract local businesses,” said Ponds.
A recent report by Mason Tillman Associates, who specializes in disparity studies, that was referenced in an
ROI-NJ.com article, noted that New Jersey is lagging in minority- and women-led contracts compared to New York and Pennsylvania. The District is pleased to be at the forefront in leading the charge for much-needed change in making the contract process more equitable.
Designations for the set-asides will be made prior to any advertisements for request for proposals and/or bids. Then these contracts will be awarded to minority, women, or small businesses. “I am excited to structure these set-asides for the bond referendum projects because together with the Project Labor Agreement (PLA) it will help minority, women, and small businesses compete,” said Hunt. The PLA, approved at the Board’s September 6, 2023 meeting ensures that projects over $5 million of the Bond Referendum will be awarded to union contractors.