Facilities committee reviews school construction, HVAC and summer projects; Wolf Pit AC and locker replacements planned

The Norwalk Board of Education’s facilities committee on May 27 heard progress reports on multiple construction and mechanical projects across the district and a preview of extensive summer work.

Deputy Superintendent Sandra Fayoese and consultant Dan Phillips of Construction Solutions Group summarized the status of major building projects. Phillips said South Norwalk Elementary — occupied in part last August — will undergo additional summer work and that the district’s rooftop photovoltaic system is eligible for state reimbursement and was bid earlier this year. Fayoese clarified that while the school will be publicly celebrated as Ruby Shaw Elementary after July 1, state reporting and reimbursement paperwork will continue to use the name South Norwalk for the remainder of the fiscal year.

At the new Norwalk High School and the P‑TECH wing, Phillips said interior finishes are moving forward — sheetrock, ceiling grid, painting and bathroom tile — and that electrical switchgear has been installed and inspected. He said the team is coordinating with Eversource for permanent power, expected early this summer; the building is scheduled for phased occupancy in fall 2027 with total project completion, including demolition of the old school and site work, by fall 2028.

Phillips also reviewed HVAC upgrades across the district. Brookside is substantially complete but has boiler issues being resolved under warranty; Rowan is seeing interior work and transformer installation; Silvermine is substantially complete with building controls to be added this summer to enable remote monitoring; Naramak work includes roofing and conduit runs and requires an easement with Eversource to energize a new primary transformer this summer. On Brian McMahon High School, Phillips said two large outdoor chillers have been installed and are undergoing commissioning, and that some troubleshooting is ongoing as the construction manager works with staff to finalize operations.

William Hardell, the district facilities director, highlighted that insulation and sound attenuators have been installed and noted a new milestone: “For the first time in the history of Brian McMahon, the gym will now be air conditioned,” a benefit he said is included in the current project scope.

Looking ahead to summer work, staff reported that Wolf Pit Elementary received approval and bids for air‑conditioning electrical upgrades; a resolution has been drafted and will go to the land‑use committee and the Common Council for final approval and contract authorization, with target contract action by June 10. Locker replacements are planned at Ponus and Nathan Hale, widening lockers to better fit students’ backpacks; custodial and routine preparations will continue across campuses. The administration said it plans to remove the final district underground oil storage tank at 46 Concord (the family center), pending state approval and expected 60% reimbursement; the work may occur in the fall while the building remains occupied.

Committee members asked about accessibility and elevator locations for the new high school; Phillips said the design includes three elevators and that the building is being constructed to current code for ADA compliance. The committee also discussed site tours, which staff agreed to coordinate with the construction manager.

The committee offered thanks to staff and contractors for the work and acknowledged a busy summer schedule. No formal votes on construction contracts were taken at the meeting; staff said several items will go to land use and the Common Council in June for formal action.