Board approves $200,500 to replace Moody Elementary oil tank under DRIP grant

The Middletown Board of Education voted May 12 to spend $200,500 from a District Repair and Improvement Project (DRIP) grant to remove and replace an aging oil tank at Moody Elementary School after state environmental reviewers flagged the tank as high‑risk for corrosion and leaks.

Board finance staff said the district received $237,723.98 from the DRIP program and that the facilities team must have a contract in place by June 1, 2026, to comply with Department of Energy and Environmental Protection guidance. “They advised the district that the tank needs to be removed,” finance staff told the board when presenting the item.

The board moved and seconded a motion to approve the full $200,500 expenditure for removal and replacement; members approved the measure by voice vote (the meeting recorded “I” votes with no roll‑call tally provided).

Superintendent and facilities staff previously described the DRIP award as the first round of the program, with another round expected for 2026–27. Board members asked how remaining grant funds (approximately $37,223.98 after this purchase) might be used for other urgent repairs; staff said additional projects would be brought forward to the facilities committee or a future agenda.

The approved expenditure covers removal and replacement only; contract documents and next steps for procurement and scheduling will be handled by the facilities department. The board also approved entering related infrastructure work into the capital planning process.

The board moved into executive session later in the meeting to discuss negotiations and pending claims; the open session adjourned at 9:50 p.m.