High School Building Project Awaits Key Approvals

The High School Building Committee is awaiting key approvals necessary to launch the renovation work on Lyme-Old Lyme High School. The Bureau of School Facilities in the State Department of Education is completing final review of the plans and specifications of the project. An official approval letter is expected any day. The project will not go out to bid until the necessary approval from the State has been received.

The Committee is also awaiting legislative approval of the 2010 school construction projects by the Connecticut General Assembly. School construction legislation is typically approved during the last days of the legislative session. The 2010 session is scheduled to adjourn during the first week of May. Once the legislature completes action, the law will await the Governor’s signature. We anticipate that the legislation will receive approval of both the General Assembly and the Governor. 

Once the plan approval level is received, the Board of Education is expected to release authorization to put the project out to bid. Bidding does not obligate the Board to any contracts.  Based on anticipated timelines, legislative approval of the school construction bonds should occur during the bidding process. Ideally, key events will synchronize to allow contracts to be awarded in June and the project to begin as originally scheduled. A contingency schedule has been prepared in the event that the key approvals are not received when expected.  

The High School building project has not impacted the District’s operating budget. Short term notes at very favorable rates have rendered it virtually cost neutral to date. The project will have noticeable impact on the 2011-12 budget.

Elizabeth M. Osga, Ph.D.
Superintendent of Schools