The committee toured Coventry High School’s renovated gym and science labs and set a public ribbon-cutting for Oct. 17 at 5:30 p.m., to occur between the junior varsity and varsity volleyball games.

Committee members praised the high school administration and facilities staff for overseeing the work. Don Cowher, superintendent, and Russell Hill, director of facilities, credited Joe Parnoli, Brooke Bicumber and maintenance staff for sustained on-site oversight through the summer. The committee agreed to invite town and state dignitaries, the school building committee and district staff; staff said invitations had already gone to elected officials and vendors.

Officials said the gym project is effectively complete with work finishing “this week” on thresholds and base molding; science labs are finished pending delivery and installation of portable fume hoods, which staff said were shipped on the ninth and expected to arrive within two to three days. Committee members discussed training on gym equipment and bleacher operation and suggested a short training video or manual for staff. The cafeteria remains the district polling place; the gym is currently not used for polling.

Staff also flagged a calendar conflict: the ribbon-cutting date coincides with a neighborhood trunk-or-treat event across from town hall. The communications plan for the event includes social media, district email to parents, and a press release to local media. Committee members urged a press release that describes funding sources and timeline so the community understands how the project was paid for.

Ending: The committee closed the gym discussion by confirming the Oct. 17 ribbon-cutting and asking staff to circulate invitations and a press release once logistics are finalized.