Board approves Clerk of the Works job description and reviews Porter's Point renovation renderings and timeline

The Colchester School Board on May 6 approved a job description for a Clerk of the Works and heard a detailed update on the Porter's Point School renovation, including site layout, playground siting and a projected permitting and construction timeline.

Board members approved the Clerk of the Works job description as part of the consent agenda; district administrators said they will post the position this week. The district described the role as a part‑time, on-site construction oversight position (approximately three to three‑and‑a‑half days per week) that would report to the district’s business office and act as the district’s representative to the general contractor during construction. The district said it would seek candidates with construction experience and anticipated using multiple posting venues beyond typical education job boards.

Amy, speaking for the district, presented the Porter's Point project timeline and renderings. She said Black River Design will handle permitting and will present to the Development Review Board; the district expects to receive permitting around mid‑September and to begin construction as early as October. The schedule is intended so the district can complete the major front‑end demo and new construction during the summer and avoid moving students mid‑school year. District staff said classrooms will remain in place during the 2025–26 school year; major demo and relocation work is scheduled after the next school year, with more disruptive moves timed for summer 2026.

Design details presented to the board include a reconfigured, one‑direction vehicle flow with a family drop‑off loop and a separate bus loop, 12 employee parking spaces near the new entrance and an additional 16 spaces near the preschool. The district confirmed the net number of parking spaces will increase compared with the current arrangement. The playground will be relocated to sit adjacent to preschool facilities to enable shared use between preschool and K–2 students; administrators said the chosen placement also takes into account nearby residential neighbors and sound considerations.

Board members asked about construction parking and pedestrian safety. District staff said contractor vehicles will be staged in the rear of the property and that staff will maintain adult supervision at drop‑off and crosswalks; the district noted a commitment to signage, staff presence and a designed sidewalk to separate pedestrian movement from traffic lanes. The board also viewed interior renderings of new corridors, a gym addition and a cafeteria layout that incorporates sound‑attenuating ceiling elements.

Administrators said the district will communicate extensively with Porter's Point families and staff next year and will appoint staff to be daily communication points during the 2026 renovation phase to minimize learning disruptions. The board’s consent agenda also included an updated hiring list (the district reported only two licensed positions remain to be filled for 2025–26) and the retirement announcement from Union Memorial principal Chris Antonichi, who will retire next year after a 35‑year career; the district said Antonichi provided early notice to aid an orderly leadership search.

Trustees had no objection to posting the Clerk of the Works job description and directed staff to continue design work and permit filings with the town and fire chief.