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Cromwell board pledges $150,000 toward high school track resurfacing after months-long discussion
Summary
After discussing costs, security concerns and timing, the Cromwell School District board voted to allot $150,000 from unexpended funds toward replacing the high school track surface and related work; the board directed staff to pursue additional quotes for jumping pits and coordinate with town leaders on the remainder of funding.
The Cromwell Board of Education voted to allot $150,000 from the district's unexpended funds toward resurfacing the Cromwell High School track and associated work after a lengthy discussion about costs, security and timing.
The move follows a facilities assessment that found the rubber surface had failed while the underlying asphalt remained intact; Facilities staff presented a vendor estimate of $382,500 to replace the rubber top and an additional $20,000 to add a colored relay exchange area. Claudio Bozzano, providing the update, said, “The cost is $382,500 to replace the rubber surface and an additional 20,000 to put in the track exchange zone.”
Why it matters: board members framed the project as an investment for students and the broader community while warning against committing the district’s full surplus in a year with other budget uncertainties. Board members also pressed for steps to reduce trespass and damage to the track — including adding bleachers, improving fencing and signage and consulting the police — saying those measures must begin whether or not resurfacing proceeds immediately.
Key details: Facilities staff told the board resurfacing the rubber top can proceed without repaving the asphalt, but acknowledged the district will not know if the base needs replacement until the current surface is removed. Board members were told a full rebuild (including asphalt) would add substantially to cost if required; facilities staff recommended allowing roughly four months lead time to secure materials and contract scheduling ahead of a summer construction window.
Security and scope: Board members repeatedly raised concerns about e-bikes, go-karts and other damage to the existing track. Bozzano said the district has poured concrete pads and ordered anchored bleachers to move spectator seating above the fence line and is increasing signage and discussions with the police department; he said surveillance is not currently installed. Athletic Director Josh LeMay and others told the board that colored exchange zones assist safety and athlete timing at full speed; LeMay described the zones as “an added safety measure.”
Funding and next steps: The board considered several spending options and initially debated a $200,000 allocation before adopting a last-minute amendment to reduce the district’s contribution to $150,000. The board chair said the district will present the agreed figure to the town council at the council’s next meeting and asked facilities staff to obtain an updated quote for the long jump and high jump areas (estimated by staff to be much smaller than the main resurfacing cost). Staff will also request a more detailed warranty statement from the vendor and continue procurement discussions with the town.
Vote and process notes: After motion and amendment, the board recorded the motion to allocate $150,000 and the motion passed. Board members who pressed for a smaller allocation cited ongoing special education costs and other uncertainties in the district budget; others argued the track is long overdue and urged doing enough to secure town support. The board directed facilities staff to obtain any missing quotes and to coordinate with the mayor’s office and town finance on the remainder of the funding.
Taper: Facilities staff said they will return with additional written cost detail, vendor warranty language and the supplemental quote for jumping pits; the town council will consider the proposal at its next meeting.
