Connecticut town tries to figure out how to cover cost of extensive school renovations
In New Hartford, Connecticut, the local selectmen are puzzled over the best course of action regarding the needed improvements at an area school. A $2 million renovation project is badly needed at Ann Antolini School, but may have to be delayed due to the current economic climate.
First Selectman Daniel V. Jerram argues that the project, recently endorsed by the Board of Education, should be delayed in order to avoid increasing taxes in an already difficult economic time.
"In the current economic climate, I’m unsure whether we should do this," Jerram said. "I think there’s a threat of jeopardizing the entire project."
The proposed project would include improvements to the school’s roof, windows, doors and boilers. Asbestos removal is also needed at the site prior to some of the work. Asbestos exposure has been conclusively linked to the development of mesothelioma, a rare form of cancer that can affect the lungs or other organs and tissues in the body.
Mesothelioma affects less than 3,000 Americans each year, and tragically, there is no known cure. The majority of patients lose their battle with this cancer in less than two years following diagnosis.
According to Superintendent Philip O’Reilly, the number of projects have been piling up for many years while the school district focused on renovating the town’s other two schools that were in worse shape. However, some officials think that now is the perfect time to start a new project. Selectman Thomas T. Klebart argues that contractors are placing competitive bids in this economy, meaning that the town may actually be able to have the work done at a lower price than in previous years.
