Gambling On All-Day K

The School Building Committee took the creation of all-day kindergarten a step forward Tuesday night as it reviewed architects’ applications to design portable classrooms. At the same time, no one knows whether the proposed program will become a reality. And there’s apparently no time to wait on the verdict because the extra classroom space must be in place before the start of the new school year.

It’s a dilemma for which there’s no easy solution, said school finance director Jason Lathrop, who attended the meeting.

Committee member Joe Luciano said contractors can’t be put on hold. The four new portables -- three at Overbrook and one at Ferrara -- need to be ready for the possibility of new kindergarten classes by the end of August.

The Board of Education passed its $45 million FY’12 budget on Feb. 7 which included $460,000 for the full-day program. The board voted last month to send a capital project request for the portables and other items to the Board of Finance. The school board also approved sending an RFQ (request for a quote) for an architect.

Meanwhile, the fate of all-day K won’t be known until April 21 when the Town Council ratifies the new budget. If the request is denied, Lathrop said he didn’t know whether the portables would be shelved or carried through.

Six architects responded to the RFQ issued by Town Finance Director Tom Thompson, School Building Committee Chair Joe D’Albero reported. Tuesday morning was the deadline. In an executive session, the committee eliminated one applicant and planned to schedule interviews for the others at the high school.

Lathrop said the state reimburses 75 percent of the portables’ price tag, leaving the town on the hook for roughly $100,000.

Luciano said a point person would be needed for the design process; someone the architects can field questions to. Lathrop said that could be either Joe Travaglino, director of school buildings and grounds, or the Overbrook and Ferrara principals.

But committee members said it would be a time-consuming task and questioned whether Travaglino or the principals could fit it into their schedules. Lathrop suggested getting a contractor instead. He also said school Superintendent Anthony Serio should make that decision. Committee member Lou Langella agreed.
 
In other committee business, contractor Eric Bartone, of DBS Energy, gave a quick update on the solar panels. He said the 4-month-old panels on Momauguin, Deer Run and Overbrook elementary schools are A-OK. The middle school is  about ready to roll, he said, once United Illuminating authorizes the final connections, requiring a power shutdown for an hour or two possibly this Saturday.

“Everything’s working properly,” said Bartone. “There’s been no issues.”