Board approves 2026–31 capital request; middle‑school ‘man‑trap’ among top priorities

The Tolland Board of Education on Sept. 24 approved the district’s capital budget requests for fiscal years 2026–2031 and authorized Superintendent Dr. Willett to submit the package to the town manager and town council. The package lists several projects with priority levels and cost estimates; the middle‑school main entry security vestibule (described as a “man‑trap”) and a patio/staircase renovation at the middle school were highlighted in discussion. Capital project coordinator Pete Stava (present) and the superintendent explained that the man‑trap project is beyond the design phase and requires construction work — storefronts, roofing over a new entry — and that construction costs have risen since earlier estimates. The district attempted to pursue a COPS grant, but Dr. Willett said the COPS program does not cover construction costs. Pete Stava told trustees the district’s current estimate could rise and cautioned that steel‑price increases might push the man‑trap cost higher; he estimated potential variance of roughly 20–25 percent for that item. The board voted by roll call to approve the capital list and authorize submission to the town; the motion passed with a majority of members voting aye. The vote was preceded by typical project‑by‑project questions from trustees about scope and timing, and Stava described efforts to reprioritize smaller line items to offset increases where possible. The board also discussed other entries on the capital list, including picnic table concrete pads and consideration of panic‑button hardware, and received assurances that detailed project narratives and past request histories are linked from the superintendent’s capital page.