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New Milford Board approves 2026–27 phase of five‑year capital plan, prioritizing HVAC, elevator and barn repairs
Summary
The New Milford Board of Education unanimously approved the 2026–27 phase of its five‑year capital plan, authorizing projects including HVAC upgrades, elevator modernization at Schaghticoke Middle School, repairs to a high‑school barn and other facility work; board members debated prioritization and capital reserve use.
The New Milford Board of Education on May 19 unanimously approved the 2026–27 phase of its five‑year capital plan, authorizing a slate of facility repairs and upgrades across the district.
The plan, presented by Matthew Cunningham, director of facilities, lists projects including replacement of two tractors with a skid steer; sidewalk repairs; farmhouse window replacement; central office Phase 1 and 2 work; a Hill and Plain facility condition assessment; New Milford High School barn A&E and culinary classroom A&E; auxiliary gym floor refinishing; Northville Elementary School HVAC improvements; Sarah Noble Intermediate School floor tile replacement; and multiple Schaghticoke Middle School projects including bleacher replacement, elevator modernization, HVAC improvements and areas of refuge in stairwells.
Why it matters: board members said the work is intended to prevent further disrepair in aging buildings and to protect instructional capacity and safety. Board discussion focused on how to prioritize projects, the cost‑effectiveness of repairs versus replacement and the size of withdrawals from the district’s Capital Reserve.
Board members pressed several specifics during discussion. Mr. Dean Barile asked whether the Larson barn floor would be replaced and whether replacing middle‑school air handlers might be more cost‑effective than continued repairs. Mr. Cunningham said the barn project "includes repairs in general to ensure safety," and that some work might be completed in‑house. Mr. Joseph Failla questioned whether a large outlay for barn storage was justified. Mr. Tom O’Brien warned that the district’s buildings are aging and singled out elevator work as a high priority. Mrs. Wendy Faulenbach emphasized that the capital reserve funds in question are already appropriated and, she said, do not represent an additional taxpayer levy.
Dr. Janet Parlato provided fiscal context, reporting the district was 97.25% expended for the year and saying that after the ESG payment, the 2% set‑aside repayment and the turf field payment, the remaining balance will help replenish the Capital Reserve.
Procedural outcome: Mrs. Sarah Herring moved to approve the 2026–27 phase of the five‑year capital plan; Mr. Brian McCauley seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously.
Next steps: with the plan approved, facilities staff will move into design and procurement planning for the listed projects and bring timeline and cost details back to the Board as required.
