Geralyn Hoerauf, senior project manager for the firm STV|DPM, and Public Building & Site Commission Chair Robert Mitchell informed the Board of Education at its meeting on Tuesday, March 7, that soft demolition of the Newtown High School auditorium renovation project is complete.

After the meeting Ms Hoerauf explained construction began on February 27, and the demolition of the seats and flooring is complete. Demolition work continues for the ceiling panels, and once that is complete, she said, the work will focus on the existing control booth in the rear of the auditorium.

As Mr Mitchell told the board, once work on the ceiling is complete the project managers will have a better understanding of any "surprises" that may arise.

"We're not anticipating any [surprises], but we'll be looking for them," said Mr Mitchell.

Ms Hoerauf and Mr Mitchell also shared pictures of how the auditorium currently looks, without the seats. She noted "how big and beautiful it looks without the seats and everything in it."

Demolition of the equipment above the stage was expected to be begin by the end of the week, according to Ms Hoerauf.

"It's moving the way it is supposed to, and it is anticipated on schedule," said Mr Mitchell, adding that July 18 is still projected as the main completion date.

Mr Mitchell also said the construction management firm Newfield Construction Inc is working to set up a meeting with school staff to discuss project updates.

Whitsons Culinary Group Provides Food Service Update

Whitsons Culinary Group - which the school board voted to have operate the district's food service program last May - shared an update at the meeting on how its first school year in the district has been going. Whitsons Senior Vice President of School Nutrition John Gersbeck, School Nutrition District Manager Karen Gersbeck, Newtown Food Service Director Luiza Emery, and onsite Registered Dietician Rebecca O'Brien shared a presentation with the board.

The representatives shared some of the food options that have been available at the schools this year, and some of the changes the company made in Newtown, like renaming a side food store in the high school's cafeteria. Efforts this school year have included participating in the Newtown International Center for Education's celebration of International Education Week by offering different food options, and participating in Middle Gate Elementary School's Diversity Day by having Ms Emery offer lessons on food allergies.

According to the presentation, Whitsons focuses on making more food from scratch than from already prepared options and it emphasizes offering locally available fruits and vegetables when possible, along with other efforts listed in the presentation.

Mr Gersbeck said Whitsons's year-to-date revenue budget is on target based on being in the district for six months, and its total district expenses are below target.

"We're ahead of our midyear budget by about $13,000," said Mr Gersbeck, adding that he expects Whitsons to exceed its district financial goal.

Whitsons, Mr Gersbeck shared, is excited about its prospects in the district.

"Our feet are on the ground now, and it's a good feeling," said Mr Gersbeck.

A Request To Change A Vote

Earlier in the meeting, Board of Education member Andrew Clure requested - based on his interpretation of the board meeting guide Robert's Rules of Order - that he be able to change a previous "yes" vote to a "no."

"I read through Robert's Rules... and I am able to do that without any objection from the rest of the board," said Mr Clure, before explaining he wanted to reverse his vote of support at the board's February 1 meeting to allow school board Chairman Keith Alexander to sign a letter to President Donald Trump asking him to denounce people across the country who believe the Sandy Hook tragedy never occurred.

The board voted 5-1 in support of having the letter sent at its February 1 meeting.

The Newtown Bee received notice on February 22 from Mr Alexander that the letter had been sent.

At this week's meeting Mr Alexander said Robert's Rules of Order typically applies to individual meetings while they are in session, not retroactively. After further discussion - which included Mr Clure questioning the available information when the vote was made - board members agreed to look into whether Mr Clure could change his vote and bring the topic up at a future meeting.