E.O. Smith High School Contemplating Building Renovations

E. O. Smith High School is beginning to look at ways of making long overdue improvements to the auditorium, fine arts, agricultural science and technology facilities, and maintenance department.

“These were sections of our school buildings that needed more significant renovation back in 2002 and we simply couldn’t afford it at that time,” said Regional School District #19 Superintendent Bruce Silva. “We’re looking now to have architects assess the current condition of this section of our school facility and make recommendations for repairs, improvements, and modernization to a portion of our school that, quite honestly, is outdated and hasn’t met our needs in a very long time.”

At a Board of Education meeting last June, a group of approximately 30 parents and students requested that the members of the board do something to address the short comings of the facilities. Following the meeting, the District’s building committee was convened to consider the possible options. Ultimately it was decided that the board would solicit the services of architectural firms to conduct a study of the North side of the building.

The area to be studied includes the 600-seat auditorium, stage area, agricultural education facility, and the facilities maintenance department area. The selected firm will work with the Region’s Building Committee on behalf of the board of Education to assess the programmatic adequacy and structural, mechanical, electrical and safety conditions of the area in question and provide a report of condition along as recommendations for remediation.

In 2002, E.O. Smith High School underwent an expansion and renovation resulting in the creation of a new space and the light renovation to large portions of the building that was constructed in 1955.

Once a firm is selected, the forthcoming review will also include meeting with selected stakeholders to gain an understanding of the current uses of the facilities and future program needs, provide an analysis of alternatives and preliminary design options for renovations, and provide professional cost estimates for each major project element and options for cost reduction considerations.

The assessment will also include an analysis of potential State of Connecticut School Construction Grant funding.
“State funding will play a role in this,” Silva said. “There are constant changes in what’s eligible for state reimbursement and what alternative funding looks like. It’s an interesting process.”

The final report – expected to be completed by January will be presented to the Regional District #19 building Committee and the Board of Education.

Located in Storrs, E.O. Smith High School is known across the region for its student-centered community, an expansive and challenging curriculum, a talented faculty, and a robust array of clubs, athletics, and artistic activities. Together, these efforts position “E.O.” graduates for success in all of life’s pursuits.

For more information, contact the superintendent’s office or visit www.eosmith.org.

Photo credit: www.eosmith.org.