The Board of Education learned at its meeting on Tuesday, February 7, the Newtown High School auditorium renovation construction work will begin this month.

Superintendent of Schools Joseph V. Erardi, Jr, opened the discussion by saying, "We finally have good news to share."

"They will be mobilizing next week, and construction start will be on Tuesday, February 21," said district Director of Facilities Gino Faiella.

Mr Faiella and district Director of Visual and Performing Arts Michelle Hiscavich shared the update with the board. With the recent recommended approval of the contractor's guaranteed maximum pricing to the purchasing authority by the Public Building and Site Commission, Mr Faiella said the project is "finally moving in the right direction."

The auditorium is prepped and "ready to go," according to Ms Hiscavich.

As of November, the project was set to start construction at the beginning of January, and a new schedule has not been made based on the new construction start date. Mr Faiella said a new schedule is expected soon, and an anticipated completion date will be shared with the board then.

After board Chair Keith Alexander asked if there would be any impact on education once construction starts, Ms Hiscavich said changes at NHS were made at the start of the 2016-17 school year anticipating construction. Classes and programs are being accommodated as best as possible, she said.