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Superintendent briefs board on repeated snow-removal failures; change-order for playground project is tabled
Summary
District staff documented multiple missed snow‑removal and ice‑treatment tasks across several school zones and told the board they will increase inspections and revise next year’s procurement strategy; a separate contract change order for a playground project drew questions and was tabled for further review.
District facilities staff reported to the New Haven Board of Education on Feb. 12 that several contracted snow‑removal vendors repeatedly failed to meet agreed standards for clearing school sidewalks, ramps and parking lots during recent events, and the superintendent outlined short‑ and long‑term corrective steps.
Superintendent Dr. John Negron introduced facilities staff and said contractors missed obligations across multiple zones, requiring repeated follow-up. "We have documented photos. We have communicated via email, texts. We have 1 supervisor going out to follow-up and circle around 40 plus schools," facilities presenter said. Board members and administrators described plans to increase on-site inspections, add supervisory coverage, document equipment and crew capacity for next year’s contracts, and explore a mix of open-market zones and set-asides to combine larger contractors with small business subcontractors.
District staff said short-term actions will include closer daily monitoring of vendors, more inspectors assigned per zone and continued use of facility supervisors to hold contractors accountable. Long-term recommendations shared with the board included a) rebidding the five snow-removal zones on the open market with stronger equipment and staffing verification, b) inspecting all vehicles and listed VINs before award, and c) considering purchase of district-owned equipment to allow school employees to cover some zones with in-house crews.
Separately under finance items, the board considered a change order (agenda item 9.1) to a playground contract that increased the award by roughly 64% after an apparently changed installation plan and added demolition work. Board members questioned why demolition and the revised location were not included in the original bid and whether the demolition work should have been put out to bid separately. After extended discussion the board voted to table the change-order item and return it to the Finance & Operations committee for more information.
Votes at a glance - Finance motion to approve certain abstracts and MOUs (including Engaged Manufacturing grants and a Memorandum of Understanding with Workforce Alliance): approved by roll call. - Motion to approve change order 9.1 (Compan Incorporated) — tabled after questions about scope, bidding and cost increases.
Why it matters: Repeated vendor failures exposed the district to safety risks (uncleared sidewalks, ramps and lots) and strained operations during winter storms. The tabled playground change order raised procurement and oversight questions that board members said could have districtwide budget implications if not scrutinized.
Next steps: Facilities staff will continue detailed documentation of vendor performance and bring additional procurement and inspection proposals to the board. The tabling of change order 9.1 will return to the Finance & Operations committee for further factual follow-up before a board vote.
