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District showcases bond- and grant-funded summer projects: gym, science labs and kitchen upgrades
Summary
Superintendent presented summer capital work funded by a $25 million bond and an equity initiative grant, highlighting a near-complete high school gym renovation, refurbished science labs, new kitchen equipment and infrastructure work required for sewer connection.
Superintendent Don Cowher gave a slide presentation summarizing summer capital projects funded by the district’s $25 million bond and a state equity initiative grant.
The high school gym renovation is near completion: new finish work on the floor, updated HVAC grilles, automatic and mobile bleachers and finishing coats of polyurethane were shown in photos. The administration said it plans a community ribbon‑cutting timed with a volleyball game when the final touches are complete. The superintendent described the project scope and funding sources, saying the work was paid for by a combination of the bond and the RIDE equity initiative grant.
The superintendent also showed photos and descriptions of updated science labs with new workstations, sinks and cabinetry for roughly a dozen classrooms. He said the renovations were funded “about a 60/40 split” between the equity initiative grant and the bond, and that the bond was approved in October 2023.
In the district kitchen, the committee saw equipment purchases including a kettle steamer (budgeted at about $70,000) and new grease traps required as the school connects to the municipal sewer system. The administration said tying the schools into the sewer (to the West Wallwood Treatment Plant) introduced new wastewater requirements and sampling obligations, and that grease traps were installed in‑house to meet those requirements.
Other summer work highlighted included rebuilt pumps, new safety/multipurpose rooms at Hopkins Hill, life‑skills space renovations at BlackRock with a lift and changing table, fresh parking/traffic striping and new mulch at elementary school playgrounds.
Why it matters: The presentation ties visible building improvements to the district’s bond program and a state grant, and the administration said several projects also address fire marshal concerns previously cited in facility inspections. Committee members praised the improvements as investments in infrastructure and student experience.
What committee members asked: Members asked about grant management and whether the district had hired staff to chase grants; the superintendent said a new staff accounting person will help manage grants and introduce that hire to the committee when the person starts. Members also asked about the status of ductless ventilation hoods for science labs and removal of stored chemicals: the superintendent said hoods had been ordered and were out for delivery and that a town vote approved funds to remove old chemicals from storage closets, with licensed contractors to handle disposal.
Next steps: Administration to confirm delivery and installation of portable ventilation hoods, schedule a community ribbon cutting for the gym and introduce the new grants accountant to the committee.
