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Barnum and Norton elementary projects remain on time, under budget; demolition of old Norton set for fall
Summary
The Town of Cheshire’s school business committee told the council Jan. 13 that two replacement elementary schools are progressing on schedule and budget, with major construction largely complete by mid‑July and demolition of the old Norton school targeted for November, pending required environmental testing.
Cheshire officials told the Town Council on Jan. 13 that construction on two new elementary schools—Barnum and Norton—continues on schedule and under budget, with staff projecting the buildings will be largely complete by mid‑July.
Mister Gusenberg, representing the school business committee, said site work across the two projects is roughly 54%–65% complete, classroom wings are approximately 48%–58% complete, the preschool wing is about 33% complete, and core facilities are in the mid‑30s to low‑40s percent complete. “We continue to be on time and under budget,” he said, adding that many interior finishes, casework and mechanical systems are now being installed and that walking the buildings gives a clear sense of the finished layout.
Gusenberg described a resolved brick‑delivery issue at the North End School and showed photos of libraries, cafeterias, courtyards and gymnasiums. He said the town expects to receive certificates of occupancy in mid‑July to allow teachers to move materials into classrooms. After occupancy, environmental testing will be required at the old Norton building to check for PCBs, asbestos or other issues before demolition, which the presenter estimated will be finished by November; some demolition work may occur while the new school is occupied.
On logistics, Gusenberg said bus operations should not be compromised at opening; temporary staff parking has been arranged at the Catholic church across the street for a short term during activity associated with demolition and site completion.
Councilors asked about solar panels. Gusenberg said solar work had been discussed with Johnson Controls and initial plans included roof and parking-area arrays in locations intended to preserve the schools’ aesthetic. However, he said the timeline is unclear and that installing the panels during construction is no longer certain because changes in federal rules removed an earlier financing path.
The council thanked the School Business Committee for the update and discussed returning for a follow-up walkthrough in a couple of months to view progress in person.
Next steps: staff will continue with construction closeout tasks, schedule environmental testing at the old Norton site, complete moving plans when certificates of occupancy are issued, and provide a possible March walkthrough for councilors.
