Stamford Public Schools Announces Summer Facilities Work

Information via Stamford Public Schools

STAMFORD, CT — Stamford Public Schools on Wednesday announced details on various school construction projects which are slated to be completed over the upcoming summer months.

The school district noted that it works in close collaboration with the city to address the capital, repair and maintenance needs of school campuses and facilities.

A priority has been placed on identifying improvements that increase energy efficiencies, reduce longer-term maintenance costs and improve health and safety. Numerous projects have been completed throughout the spring semester including heating, ventilating and air-conditioning updates in various buildings.

In preparation for community use this summer, the Stamford High School tennis courts were recently renovated and playgrounds around the city have undergone upgrades and repairs.

Construction on the Rippowam track replacement was recently started, the school district said.

Throughout the summer, the Board of Education Facility Operations team will be overseeing repair and maintenance work for air handling systems, plumbing, security systems and more at all 22 SPS facilities, the school district said.

A new boiler plant is scheduled to be installed at Turn of River Middle School. The system will be converted from inefficient cast iron sectional boilers to new high-efficiency condensing units.

Additionally, there will be several larger equipment replacement and repair projects throughout the district including steam pipe leak repairs at Dolan Middle School, repairs to the air handling units at AITE, a new steam vacuum tank at Newfield Elementary School, and a zone damper replacement on an air handling unit at Davenport Ridge Elementary School.

Also being replaced are two steam unit heaters in KT Murphy Elementary School, an air handler at Julia A. Stark Elementary School, and a chiller at Westover Magnet Elementary School.

Bids will be received for a new central heating plant at Julia A. Stark which will allow the completion of the building's conversion from steam to high-efficiency hot water heating.

"Successfully managing our school environments is a necessary and essential educational investment," said Superintendent of Schools Dr. Tamu Lucero, in a news release. "Improving the quality of the school environment influences the attitudes of our students, teachers and staff. In addition, many of the projects that are being completed over the summer will improve reliability and energy efficiency."

SPS facilities comprise more than 3 million square feet of building space and 300-plus acres of property, the school district said.

Approximately $6.17 million has been included in the FY24 operating budget for building and grounds repair and maintenance.

School building facilities projects are prioritized based on useful life assessments, safety and security concerns, and regular maintenance, the school district said. Administrators also have the ability to request or recommend upgrades that would benefit their school communities.

Equipment availability can affect the actual construction timeframe for all projects, and some summer projects may extend into the 2023-2024 school year, according to the school district.