New Milford Board of Education approves $1.424 million ask for 24/25 phase of five‑year capital plan

The New Milford Board of Education voted Aug. 20 to approve the 24/25 phase of its five‑year capital plan, earmarking $1,424,000 for facilities projects and equipment upgrades.

Director of Fiscal Services Anthony Giovannone told the board that the district’s 24/25 column ask totals $1,424,000 and that approved amounts become earmarked for projects; excess funds revert to the capital reserve after work is completed and signed off. ‘‘When the board approves the 24/25 column… the ask is $1,424,000,’’ Giovannone said.

Matthew Cunningham, the district’s director of facilities, laid out a list of priority needs: a new F‑350 pickup truck, a 40‑foot scissor lift with a trailer, a bunker machine for maintenance of nine ball diamonds, continued camera enhancements at elementary schools, inclusive playground equipment, and multiple roof and structural repairs and studies. He described specific problems at Hill & Plain — including a canopy roof and failing septic systems — and said portions of some roofs date to the original 1981 construction and will require engineering work.

Cunningham described moisture and mildew concerns at Sarah Noble Intermediate School (SNIS) as part of the facilities discussion and recommended pursuing an architect/engineer (A&E) study and mechanical-engineering review to identify long‑term repairs rather than continue temporary fixes. He estimated an A&E engagement at roughly $25,000.

Board members questioned vendor pricing for specific repairs. Cunningham reported a Greenwood quote of $150,000 to patch or repair seamed gutters at the high school; he said the contractor’s figure may be conservative and the actual project could come in lower.

The plan also includes technology and AV needs described by Director of Technology Jeffrey Turner, who asked the board to consider infrastructure upgrades (access points, firewalls, servers and switches) and device refreshes: roughly 15 laptops/desktops immediately, 20 smartboards for nontraditional classrooms, 30 Chromebooks for grades K–2 and 100 Chromebooks for grades 3–12. Turner said the district is leveraging E‑Rate funding where possible.

Mrs. Leslie Sarich moved to approve the 24/25 phase of the capital plan; Mr. Dean Barile seconded. The motion passed 6–0–1; Mr. Tom O’Brien was not present for the vote.

The approval means the district will earmark the requested sum and begin project‑level planning, engineering studies and procurement. Giovannone and Cunningham said they will continue to seek firm estimates and pursue town coordination for bonding and matching funds where appropriate. The board noted the auditors’ final presentation is scheduled for January, which will help finalize capital reserve numbers.