Suffield BOE Approves Up To $100K For Bridge Repairs

SUFFIELD, CT — The Suffield Board of Education has approved spending up to $100,000 toward repairs to a bridge connecting Suffield High School with the Agricultural Extension property.

The board voted 4-2 on Aug. 10 to use money from its non-lapsing fund. The overall project is expected to cost about $286,000, with the town covering the remaining expense, according to meeting minutes.

The bridge is used by the Agriscience program to move equipment between the high school and the extension property near Bruce Park. The town’s proposal calls for repairing the bridge for both vehicle and pedestrian use, though the existing structure was not originally rated for vehicles.

The school district’s share would cover repairs and upgrades needed to allow vehicles to cross. Agricultural Science and Technology Education funding cannot be used for the work, according to the minutes.

The board also discussed keeping the bridge closed while pursuing another funding source, but that option could delay repairs by a year or longer.

Board members Melissa Finnigan, Dustin Rose, Gianna Rossi and Greg Sparzo supported the appropriation. Chairwoman Maureen Sattan and member Sam Toskin voted against it.

Superintendent Matt Dunbar will discuss the vote with First Selectman Colin Moll and report back to the board.

The funding decision came as the district reviewed its year-end finances. Special education outplacement tuition and transportation ran more than $800,000 over budget, but savings in salaries, health insurance and other accounts offset the added cost. The district expects to finish with an approximately $59,000 surplus, pending an audit.

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