Ellington board approves five‑year capital plan; Windermere Phase 2 wrapping up
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Summary
The Ellington Board of Education approved a five‑year capital improvement plan Dec. 18 that funds routine vehicle and classroom furniture replacement, AV upgrades at the high school tied to an educational NASA downlink opportunity, and advances Windermere School Phase 2 work (GMP reported). The board approved the plan by voice vote.
The Ellington Board of Education voted Dec. 18 to approve its five‑year capital improvement plan, advancing recurring equipment and facility upgrades and continuing renovations at Windermere School.
Board members approved the plan upon recommendation of the Operations Committee. The plan includes annual requests for vehicle replacement (approximately $30,000 per year), classroom furniture replacement (about $30,000 per year), ongoing replacement of interactive whiteboards and AV equipment, and a one‑time high‑school auditorium audio‑visual upgrade tied to an educational NASA downlink opportunity. The board approved the motion by voice vote.
Alicia Carpino, who presented the plan, outlined that the district currently carries a balance toward vehicle replacement and schedules computer and AV lease expirations across multiple years rather than purchasing all replacements at once.
Carpino also addressed a board question about possible water intrusion in the high‑school auditorium and said she would follow up before approving any new AV equipment: "I can check on that if there is water intrusion... I'll follow‑up on that and make sure that's not happening." (presentation and Q&A: CIP discussion and follow‑up: SEG 347–456).
Separately, the board received an update on Windermere School Phase 2 renovations. A liaison said windermere Phase 2 renovations would be finished 12/19 and reported a guaranteed maximum price (GMP) of $61,822,309; furniture was being installed and staff planned moves around the winter break. The project team and finance staff also noted that some HVAC change‑order invoices were being processed through the Board of Education general fund to complete work that exceeded original budgets.
The board's approval clears the district to proceed with projects as presented and to coordinate funding, procurement and any follow‑up technical reviews. Board members requested staff return with answers on the auditorium water‑intrusion question and to provide continued budget oversight as projects proceed.
