5/6 School Could Have

Local Options Review

By Tanjua Damon

The proposed plans for a new school for grades five and six were delivered to the state Department of Education in early January for review, but the state has notified the district that it will probably not finish reviewing the plans in the 60-day time period it had originally planned on.

So another option that is being considered is a “local options review,” which would allow the proposed plans to be reviewed by someone who is hired to view the plans with local building officials. The proposed plans have to be checked to make sure proper codes are being used for building construction.

Superintendent of Schools John R. Reed spoke to the school board Tuesday night about the news from the state. There is money in the budget that could pay for the local options review if that is what is decided.

The school board hopes to bring the proposed 5/6 school to referendum in June so that, if approved, construction could begin in July. The local options review would be cost effective for the project because it would provide three extra months for construction, according to Dr Reed. With a possible delay, losing construction time and inflation could impact the cost.

Also at the school board meeting Tuesday night, Director of Business Ronald Bienkowski reported to the board that Ben Spragg, town financial director, notified him of auditor recommendations in the Town Audit Correction Action Plan. The school district was given suggestions for handling cash accounts, general fixed assets, student activity fund, and bidding.