Board authorizes pursuit of up to $100,000 in state DRIP funds to repair high‑traffic school sidewalks

The Waterford Board of Education voted to authorize staff to pursue state District Repair and Improvement Project (DRIP) funds and solicit bids for repairs not to exceed $100,000.

Staff said the district expects roughly $110,000 in DRIP funding from the state and recommended prioritizing ‘‘high‑traffic’’ pedestrian areas at district sites, notably Great Neck Elementary, where heaved concrete sidewalks and settled brick pavers were described as safety hazards. District staff estimated $12,000–$15,000 to replace seven to eight heaved concrete blocks at one Great Neck entrance; additional estimates for brick paver resetting and other repairs were not yet available.

Joe, who presented the program background and site needs, said the work at Great Neck would begin in four to six weeks if bids and scheduling allow. Board members asked whether repairs would be contracted out and whether the DRIP is an ongoing program; staff said they anticipate further DRIP allocations in future years but could not guarantee identical funding amounts.

The motion to approve pursuing projects and solicit bids up to $100,000 was moved, seconded, and carried by voice vote. The board directed staff to return with specifics, bids, and recommended contract awards before obligating funds beyond the initial authorization.

What happens next: staff will solicit bids for the prioritized projects, begin immediate safety work at Great Neck as scheduling allows, and present contract recommendations and budget details to the board for formal approval before funds are spent.