$5M Approved For School Upgrades In Milford

MILFORD, CT — The Board of Aldermen this month approved $5 million for various school improvement projects. The vote was 10 to 2 in support of borrowing the funds.

The city will receive some state reimbursement for the school upgrades.

Ray Vitali stated that he applauds the Pumpkin Delight parents who came out to support the bonding. He stated enrollment is declining and he has been requesting a long-range plan from the Board of Education and without one he cannot support the requested bonding. He further stated that he cannot support funding for buildings that may not be used in the near future.

Frank Smith stated the proposal before the Board is for Pumpkin Delight School. Smith stated he toured the school last fall and it appeared to him that the school has not had any significant improvements since 1967 when he attended. Smith further stated that it is his understanding that should schools need to be closed Pumpkin Delight would not close. He stated he agrees a long-range plan is needed, but he has faith in the Board of Education and Superintendent of Schools Anna Kutaia.

Smith further stated that he supports the bonding request and that Pumpkin Delight needs improvements. James Tranquilli asked what is needed at Pumpkin Delight. James Richetelli, Board of Education Chief Operations Officer, stated the request will allow for a multi-purpose room and dedicated media center. He stated Pumpkin Delight has the smallest gym/cafeteria and does not have a media center.

Richetelli stated the gym}cafeteria will be converted to a media center and a new multi-purpose room will be constructed. He also stated that security vestibules will be part of the project.

Tranquilli asked for an explanation of the traffic project at Live Oaks School. Richetelli stated the traffic is an issue and for safety reasons it must be addressed. He explained that where parents would drop off in the circle was not designated as a fire lane which took away approximately 12 parking spaces and a staging area.

Richetelli discussed how the traffic will be corrected for safety purposes.

Michelle Parente thanked everyone for coming out in support of the ordinance. She also stated new census data should provide some information on population and schools.

Vitali stated he applauds those who came out tonight, but a long-range plan is needed.

Ellen Beatty stated there are concerns about enrollment and a long-range plan may be necessary. She also commended the parents for coming out in favor of the ordinance. Ward Willis
thanked everyone for coming out in support of the ordinance.

Constance Gaynor asked if there is a long-range plan. Richetelli stated there was one from 2012/2013. Gaynor asked if one will be done in the future. Richetelli stated that the Board of Education will need to make that decision.

He further stated that all projects on the bonding ordinance are projects that need to be done now. Richetelli further stated that should schools close Pumpkin Delight would not due to population in that area of town. He also stated the other projects are health and safety issues.

Win Smith stated he supports education, but a long-range plan is necessary and without a plan he cannot support this request. Parente stated she believes one can advocate for the ordinance and still request a plan.

Mayor Ben Blake stated many planning tools are used for these requests and long-range is utilized when making the request. Anthony Giannattasio agreed a plan is needed but stated need to deal with the present. He further stated children are currently occupying the schools and he supports the request.

Anthony Sutton stated a lot has been said about a long-range plan and everyone understands there is interest in such a plan.