School building projects move forward; committee funds full demographic study and sidewalks plan draws budget questions

The Town of Cheshire School Building Committee told the Town Council on April 8 that construction on two new elementary schools is on schedule and that the committee has funded an 8‑month demographic and redistricting study to inform student assignments when the new buildings open.

In recent months Norton School foundations have been completed and slab work was scheduled to start; steel deliveries were expected the week after the meeting. Work at the North End site is likewise progressing, with foundations roughly two‑thirds finished and geothermal wells installed. Committee member Richard (Rich) Gusenberg said both projects remain on schedule for completion in July 2026.

Why it matters: The new schools are larger than the ones they replace, so the district will need redistricting to assign students to schools once the projects are complete. The building committee agreed to fund a town‑wide demographic study (three redistricting scenarios) so families will have clarity well in advance of the move.

Sidewalk and busing questions: Councilors asked whether sidewalks on Marion Road and Jarvis Street were part of the school project and whether they would be reimbursable by the state. Officials said planning and zoning required certain sidewalks and that sidewalks on portions of the site are non‑reimbursable under state school construction rules. Town staff said the sidewalk designs (Jarvis and Marion) were complete and ready to bid and that the town engineer was pursuing easements where required.

Officials said sidewalks would allow students to walk safely from nearby subdivisions and that planning and zoning had discussed the issue before approving the project. Some councilors pressed to confirm which budget would pay for particular sidewalk segments and whether the school project’s bonded funds could cover frontage sidewalks; town staff said funding decisions would be confirmed after bid pricing.

Furniture, fixtures and equipment: The committee said two new subcommittees will oversee furniture, fixtures and equipment (FF&E) and technology procurement; architects will develop packages so bids can go out in the fall.

Ending: Committee members reiterated that the committee remained on schedule and that more detailed timelines for moving and procurement would be released as state approvals and bids come in. The council asked the town engineer to confirm funding sources for sidewalk segments and to provide a clearer timeline for any non‑reimbursable work.