Mill Hill School Seeks Additional $1.3 Million For Renovation

FAIRFIELD, CT — About six months after the town's controversial decision to approve the smaller and cheaper of two expansion proposals for Mill Hill Elementary School, officials are seeking a funding increase that would see the cost of the project rise above that of its pricier alternative.

The school building committee Monday asked the Board of Selectmen to consider adjusting the bonds issued for the project from the roughly $22 million originally approved to just under $23.3 million.

"This was the fear all along," Selectman Tom Flynn said, as committee Chair Tom Quinn detailed why the additional $1.27 million was needed.

Quinn explained the original estimate was made before the project received input from engineers and that a recent, more detailed assessment revealed several unforeseen costs. Piping in the building is not expected to last the lifetime of the renovation, the school won't be able to meet state noise regulations without baffling to quiet the new air conditioning and the three classrooms planned for construction will be at risk of sinking into the soil without extra work, he said.

Flynn asked Quinn why he was asking for more money rather than using the project's $1.26 million contingency.

"We're going to have a lot more problems before we're finished," Quinn said, although he added with the requested funds he expected the committee would be able to address any issues that arose.

The Mill Hill renovations were the subject of much discussion during spring and summer of 2019, when town bodies voted to fund a 441-student capacity reconstruction rather than a 504-capacity expansion for an additional $900,000.

At the time of the votes, Mill Hill had 18 classrooms in the school building and five portable classrooms. The 441-capacity plan will eliminate portables and allow for 21 general education classrooms at Mill Hill plus dedicated space for special education, growing the school by nearly 15,000 square feet. The 504-capacity option included 24 classrooms.

Principal Kevin Chase attended Monday's meeting, where he told the board that the renovation has the community's support and the air conditioning will provide a better learning environment. Selectwoman Nancy Lefkowitz said that, relatively speaking, the additional million dollars is not as large as it sounds.

"It's important to consider that in context," she said.

The board tabled the amendment, with plans to vote Feb. 10. The change must also be approved by the Board of Finance and the Representative Town Meeting.