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Board approves $1.424 million FY24–25 phase of five-year capital plan, flags SNIS mildew and roof work
Summary
The New Milford Board of Education approved the 2024–25 column of its five-year capital plan, earmarking $1,424,000 for projects including a scissor lift, vehicle, playground and roof work; members raised concerns about persistent mildew at Sarah Noble Intermediate School and proposed engineering study work next year.
The New Milford Board of Education voted 6–0–1 on Aug. 20 to approve the 2024–25 phase of its five‑year capital plan, earmarking $1,424,000 for the district’s FY24–25 projects.
Matthew Cunningham, the district’s Director of Facilities, told the Board the FY24–25 requests include a new F‑350 pickup truck, a 40‑foot scissor lift and trailer, a bunker machine for maintenance of nine ball diamonds, continued camera upgrades, inclusive playground equipment, and multiple roof and septic repairs at school sites. "The current scissor lift does not reach heights that are needed," Cunningham said, explaining the operational need for the replacement equipment.
Anthony Giovannone, Director of Fiscal Services and Operations, clarified how funds will be handled: once the Board approves the 24/25 column, the dollars become earmarked for projects and the district will establish project‑specific accounts. "In this case, the ask is $1,424,000," Giovannone said. He noted individual project estimates — for example, a contractor quote of about $150,000 to repair seamed gutters — will be refined during procurement and any unspent funds will return to capital reserve.
Board members pressed for specifics about recurring building issues at Sarah Noble Intermediate School (SNIS). Mrs. Sarah Herring reported teachers have found black mildew in classrooms and said items have been destroyed; she asked whether the problem requires a building‑wide fix. Cunningham recommended hiring an architect/engineer for a facilities study (he estimated an A&E at about $25,000) and then a mechanical engineer to evaluate HVAC and pipe insulation needs. "If the Board wants to address it this fiscal year, then we need to put out an RFP and get an estimate for an engineer for any work that needs to be done," he said.
Board members also discussed roof repairs at New Milford High School, where Cunningham described a systemic issue and said crews have addressed roughly one‑third of suspect panels with added screws and clips. He said the corrective work should not prevent school from opening on schedule.
The approved 24/25 plan was presented as a funding framework; individual projects will move forward with project estimates and standard procurement procedures. The Board’s approval earmarks the requested funds for the coming year but does not represent final construction contracts or completion dates.
