Busy Capital Improvement Summer for Vernon Schools

VERNON, CT — When school starts on Wednesday in Vernon, several facilities will have new features — some obvious and sparkling and some behind the scenes.

Five sizable capital projects have been taking place over the summer as part of a two-year $8 million endeavor, Superintendent of Schools Joseph Macary said.

Here is a look at what's been happening:

• Maple Street School has a new roof. Though the old one could have had had some life left in it, it was nearing the end of its 25-year life expectancy and Macary said the timing was right to replace it rather than waiting for leaks to spring.
• Lake Street School has 30 more parking spaces. Parking was a huge issue at the school with parents having a hard time finding spaces for school functions, Macary said. The center island was preserved because it serves as a primary storm drain, he said.
• A project to replace the boilers at Center Road School is ongoing. It is being done in sections and is on track to be completed before the heating season begins, Macary said.
• All school playground equipment is being brought up to Americans With Disabilities Act and general pre-kindergarten standards, Macary said. The project alone is costing about $250,000, he said. When the equipment is in place, the Parks and Recreation Department will be replacing the surfaces with bark mulch engineered for playground safety, he said.
• The gym floor at Vernon center middle school has been stripped cleaned and resurfaced and looks new, Macary said. The arrival of new bleachers has been delayed for a couple of weeks but the new seating will be installed as soon as it arrives, Macary said. New lighting has also been installed, he said.

"It's all a big shot in the arm for the district," Macary said.

Photo Credit: Vernon Public Schools