Proposal: New Huckleberry, Renovated Whisconier in Brookfield

BROOKFIELD, CT — The Strategic Facilities Committee of the Board of Education voted unanimously Wednesday to explore the option of building a new Huckleberry Hill Elementary School and renovating Whisconier Middle School, the News Times is reporting.

The cost of a new Huckleberry was estimated at $62 million, while Whisconier renovations were estimated at $38.3 million. The projects may not be scheduled at the same time, and the town plans to pursue a state grant to cover some of the costs.

In March, handicap accessibility issues and the aging heating and water systems were highlighted in a report delivered by an architectural firm commissioned by the town to ascertain what improvements are needed at the buildings. The committee indicated that it hopes to make a formal recommendation on how the district should deal with these problems at the board's meeting next month.

The committee told the school board of its preliminary plans Wednesday, but has yet to make a formal recommendation on how the district should deal with the various problems in its outdated school buildings. The committee hopes to do so at the board’s August meeting.

For more, see The News Times.