Calls Region 12 board's approach 'dysfunctional'

Published 6:22 pm, Tuesday, November 26, 2013

After attending the Nov. 18 Region 12 school board meeting, I realized that dysfunction and partisanship is rampant in Washington -- whether that is Washington, D.C., or Washington, Conn.

When are we going to get a school board that is interested in the will of the people and not in the interest of the board's partisan majority?

What do we need to find a harmonious end to this continuous bickering over a decision that was made years ago and upheld by the state Supreme Court?

Do we really need to spend another $150K, voted at the Nov. 18 meeting, so a group of lobbyists can be hired to pursuade Bridgewater to cave in to the interest of the bully Washington and kill our Burnham School.

I hope the school board has some lawyers on it who can help the others understand the lawsuit that would be coming for misappropriation of public funds should they spend that money.

This board is finding out how easy it is to spend money that isn't in its pockets.

Joe Buchheit

Bridgewater

Architect, project manager hired amid accusations

Friday, November 22, 2013

Susan Tuz

Updated 10:50 pm, Wednesday, November 20, 2013

Bridgewater board members tried to block the proceedings as the board moved to hire architectural firm Fletcher-Thompson to do pre-referendum specs and to promote the building of a new pre-K-5 school on the Shepaug campus.

In the end, Fletcher-Thompson was approved in an 8-4 vote to be hired for $102,000 and project management firm Arcadis was hired for $41,400 to oversee the architects' work -- again by an 8-4 vote.

"Any architect knows these projects don't happen without full community support," said Vice Chairman Alan Brown of Bridgewater. "Was there some kind of concession of prowess by this firm to get all communities behind this project?"

Brown then said that it was "specious" that details on architectural firms' bids for the work were not presented to the full board by the Building Committee.

"Details may not have been necessary because the vote" was already set, Brown said, alluding to the fact that the Building Committee is composed solely of Washington members.

The hirings were carried by Washington board members' votes.

Bridgewater board members -- Brown, Susan Stumpf and Michael Sinatra -- and Roxbury member Kelly Lott have fought the proposal to close the three existing elementary schools and build one consolidated pre-K-5 school on the Shepaug campus.

A referendum question about the proposed change is being fashioned with a date still to be set.

Parents in Bridgewater have revived Save Our Schools to block the closing of Burnham Schoolin their town.

"It's irresponsible to spend $144,000 before the referendum decision is known," Lott said.

Building Committee Chairman Greg Cava supported the hiring.

"We'll have a good manager and architect working together," Cava said. "They solved problems and did a better job than anticipated on Burnham School repairs and brought the project in under budget. Having preliminary work done assures we're not wasting our money."

Region 12 BOE Approves Architect

by Loumarie I. Rodriguez

Published:

Saturday, November 23, 2013 7:08 AM EST

BRIDGEWATER-ROXBURY-WASHINGTON — The Region 12 Board of Education, meeting Monday, November 18, approved the hiring of the Fletcher Thompson firm for the Pre-K to Grade 5 building project and agrred to hire a project manager from the ARCADIS firm.

Fletcher Thompson will do pre-referendum work for $102,000. The firm will be responsible for designing a new elementary school for the three towns if the consolidation referendum os approved.

The project manager from the ARCADIS firm will do pre-referendum work for $41,400.

Board member Tony Bedini told the board that Fletcher Thompson is interested in doing the pre-referendum work and the Building Committee was impressed with the firm’s plan of action.

“These people are heavily invested in doing pre-referendum work,” said Mr. Bedini. “Fletcher Thompson has a track record of 95 percent for a first referendum of getting a yes vote. The other five percent is they have gone back two or three times. They really know what they are talking about. They have been down this road several times.”

He explained the project manager will make sure the proper forms are in place for the construction of the new Pre-K to Grade 5 building. The project manager will oversee the whole operation.

“I think they [the two firms] have a lot of experience and they come highly recommended,” said Superintendent of Schools Dr. Patricia Cosentino. “I certainly put my support behind confirming both.”

Several board members, including Kelly Lott, Allen Brown, Michael Sinatra and Susan Stumpf, voted against both motions. They did not like the board moving forward with hiring both firms on a project that has not been voted on by the three towns.

“These projects won’t work unless there is community support,” said Mr. Brown.

Mr. Brown also said he doesn’t think the referendum is going to pass because a good majority of residents in Bridgewater that he has talked to are against the consolidation. He also said getting the numbers for the possible costs of a new consolidated school is getting expensive.

Board member, Peter Tagley, said Mr. Brown can’t be certain of every resident’s opinion on the consolidation and they may want the information on the consolidation. He also said the three towns may not agree on the issue but they will have to go out into the public and present a project the board feels for the best interest of the region.

According to Bob Giesen, region 12’s business manager, the motions they passed are not necessarily binding. He also told the board money for the pre-referendum work comes from a budget that was formulated and adopted last year. According to Mr. Giesen there more than enough money in the budget to cover both motions made.

Board member Greg Cava said during the interviews process the firm made observations for the high school renovations that a number of items could be reimbursed.

“It was something we did not expect,” said Mr. Cava. “That’s the nice thing about having this project manager. They are able to look at the bigger picture and see things like that. It would be very important to identify that stuff early because that’s what you want.”

Dr. Cosentino said the Thompson firm is very knowledgeable about the high school renovations and the project manager will look into the board’s interests and make sure paperwork and schematics are in order.

Principal Kim Gallo, of the Shepaug Valley High School gave a presentation that assessed the teacher’s caseloads and the school’s new schedule. She also talked about the number of students per classroom and how many students certain teachers have.

Ms. Gallo talked about the courses Shepaug is now offering that include upper level courses in German, computer science, engineering, etc. The school has incorporated public speaking into the 11th grade curriculum. She said it’s not a separate course but it will become a part of the student’s graduation requirements. She briefly touched on the set up of the honor’s challenge and says it is highlighted in the teacher’s schedules.

“Honors doesn’t mean you were born with it,” said Ms. Gallo. “It means you worked harder and have an interest.”

Dr. Cosentino said they have added Professional Learning Time for the teachers in order for them to meet with other teachers, plan curriculum work and look at student work.

“That (Professional Learning Time) has been missing in the past,” said Dr. Cosentino. “It has been very beneficial to our staff as we move forward.”

Dr. Cosentino talked about the state moving forward with a uniform calendar for Connecticut schools. All schools should start a week prior to Labor Day and spring break will always be the third week in April. Common professional development days will be on the Tuesdays after holidays if the schedule allows for it. All these changes have been made in order to keep the costs of the transportation and the state is trying to have a statewide calendar.

“It was put into one of the laws,” said Dr. Cosentino. “It was snuck in by legislators and there have been meetings with the state representatives and I have been a part of them.”

Dr. Cosentino and board member, Michelle Gorra, attended the CABE-CAPPS Convention the previous weekend and encouraged other board members to attend the next convention.

“It was really inspiring and you learn a lot,” said Ms. Gorra. “I brought a lot of stuff with me to work on.”

Architects Present New School Plans

by Loumarie I. Rodriguez

Published:

Saturday, October 19, 2013 7:07 AM EDT

BRIDGEWATER-ROXBURY-WASHINGTON — The Region 12 Board of Education Building Committee viewed four presentations from architectural firms biding to build a new Pre-K to Grade 5 consolidated elementary school at a meeting on Thursday, October 10.

The four firms were Antinozzi Associates, The S/L/A/M Collaborative, Kaestle Boos Associates and Fletcher-Thompson. Each firm presented rough sketches of Region 12’s consolidated elementary school, based on the education specifications from the school board.

Each firm was given 30 minutes for a presentation and 15 minutes to answer questions from the committee.

Petina Killiany, the temporary consultant, representing the board, led most of the questioning.

According to an email from Superintendent Dr. Patricia Cosentino, the committee hopes to make a decision on a firm in the next couple of weeks.

All four firms have significant prior work designing elementary schools around the state. The firms presented ideas for the school and a plan of action to pass a referendum all three towns can agree on.

Each firm’s design for the new school included a multi-purpose room, a cafetorium, one space for a cafeteria and an auditorium.

Antinozzi Associates said its design would reflect a small town feel. The design would allow for a new parking lot and grades would be separated in different area around the school.

Southern exposure would bring in natural light. Break-out spaces would be created for informal learning periods.

“One thing that is a little bit different that we did was we really wanted to establish an accented entry and really formalize your approach to the new school,” the Antinozzi representative said..

Antinozzi’s approach to the referendum calls for the school board to first sense how aggressive it will have to be in campaigning the new school.

According to one of the representatives, the education specifications need to be simplified and school board members need to be ready to answer questions related to the cost and the value of the project.

He also suggested the referendum be aimed for April 2014.

The firm suggested community workshops to keep the public well informed on the project and stressed the importance of getting the community involved in order to remain transparent

Snapshots of what the project looks like, the schedule, pie charts and other material need to be accessible to community members to view details of the work.

Ms. Killiany asked why the firm did not put a cost estimator into its presentation.

Antinozzi representatives explained it’s up to the board to decide to be the contractor of the new school.

The S/L/A/M Collaborative team said the school should have a playful design so students can have an enjoyable experience in school.

“Good projects, well done, will reflect the community and nobody else’s,” said a representative of the firm.

During the presentation, committee members were able to choose certain topics they wanted the firm to focus on.

Committee member Tony Bedini chose referendum because he feels that it’s not focused enough.

The firm’s presenters presented five points they believe will create a successful referendum including, clarity of the project to understand the opportunities.

Committee member Peter Tagley chose understanding the region as the next topic.

Firm representatives said they believe Region 12 craves numbers and information. Engaging the community in the design process could help create a better understanding of the purpose of the new school.

The Engineer Record rated S/L/A/M the greenest firm in Connecticut and firm representatives talked about creating an energy-efficient school.

Kaestle Boos Associates specializes in elementary schools. A main issue addressed was security for the building.

“We have been doing a number of security projects,” a representative said.

Kaestle Boos suggested computer systems that lock down the classrooms. Cameras can be put in place to monitor all areas of the building, done in way so students are comfortable.

A main difference between Kaestle Boos’ design compared to the other firms is the central office for the elementary school would be located inside Shepaug Middle High School.

The representatives briefly explained their ideas for using the existing elementary schools in the three towns if the towns vote to consolidate.

Mr. Bedini did not like Kaestle Boos listing alternative ideas for the schools, feeling that is up to the three towns to decide.

Mr. Tagley disagreed and liked the firm’s attention to that detail.

Kaestle Boos’ reason for presenting the ideas was to make sure that all questions are answered in case the subject does come up.

Kaestle Boos’ strategy for the referendum would involve getting the administration on board and making sure all groups are involved.

The firm also stressed the importance of stressing that residents will save money with consolidation.

Fletcher-Thompson recommended having the referendum as early as possibly and thinks the board should aim for May 2014.

The firm’s estimated schedule includes starting construction April 2015 and opening the school January 1, 2017.

Out of the four firms, Fletcher-Thompson was the only firm to give a cost estimate of $32,000,000, which could be reduced to $27,850,200 if the board decides to cut down on square footage.

The design would involve more windows and layers of protection, according to one of the representatives.

“Let the sun shine in,” said a Fletcher-Thompson representative. “Natural light can have a great effect on how the building feels. The building I’m envisioning is outward looking.”

The plan would create a building that fits in with the local community but still have a modern feel.

Flexible spaces would be added and the building would be one story. Fletcher-Thompson wants to building close to the wetlands in order to enhance them.

“Enhancing the wetlands can make it become functional and educational,” said a representative. “It really becomes a central design focusing element for the entire design of the site and we got excited about it because we feel there are some opportunities here.”

Fletcher-Thompson said it has a 95 percent rate with referendums and tries to work closely with communities in order to understand residents’ concerns.

Region 12: BOE Approves Manager Position

by Loumarie I. Rodriguez

Published:

Saturday, October 12, 2013 7:07 AM EDT

BRIDGEWATER-ROXBURY-WASHINGTON — The Region 12 Board of Education, meeting Monday, October 7, approved a motion to hire a project manager to work on a plan to consolidate the region’s three elementary schools.

Initially the project manager will go over the plans of the consolidation plan.

The project manager would be hired until a referendum on the proposal. If the consolidation plan does not pass, the project manager’s services will no longer would be needed.

If the plan is approved, the project manager would continue working with the board.

“I had brought this [hiring a project manager] to a prior meeting and I’m not sure if everybody understood what I was asking for,” Superintendent Dr. Patricia Cosentino said.

Dr. Cosentino reported she hired a temporary consultant to attend a Thursday, October 10, meeting with four architects who are making presentations on designs for a pre-kindergarten to Grade 5 school to house students from all three elementary schools.

The consultant is helping with questions to ask and understand the matrix of the plans presented and will help the board to evaluate the architects.

“In order to get from here to there, you need to have all the pieces in place,” said board member Greg Cava. “If you are going to start looking at architects and start planning a construction project, then you need to have your manager on board and not at the end.

“You need to bring them in the very beginning, because there are many pieces that need to be planned in order to have a proper and successful process.”

Member Kelly Lott did not agree with the decision to hire a project manager before consolidation is voted on.

“It seems to me that it’s not proper to be spending money on architects, consultants, project managers for a building project that hasn’t been approved,” said Ms. Lott.

“Why don’t we have a referendum; if the voters say yes, then let’s spend the money and if they say no, we have spent a lot of money that’s going nowhere.”

Ms. Lott said the board has spent a lot of money on the pre-authorized ventures expenditures on land, plans and architects.

Member Tony Bedini explained that the numbers are needed from the architects to show the public what is going to be put into the new school and the layout of the plan.

“I don’t understand how you propose to get to the right number and not use any of those services [architects and project manager],” said Mr. Bedini.

“Do you want to go to the referendum and say we think the school is about $20 million, 30 or 49 or do we just pick a number? I think the public wants to know a little better.”

Mr. Bedini said if the board wants accurate numbers, professionals are needed.

Mr. Cava said he understands that certain board members want to kill the vote for the consolidation plan, but feels that they should do it responsibly.

Some board members questioned the purpose of hiring a temporary consultant.

“I felt it would be good to have someone there with this knowledge who represents us,” said Dr. Cosentino.

Member Peter Tagley, noting the board has a budget of about $21 million, asked if the money goes to local vendors.

He suggested creating a local vendor database to help people within Region 12 find work.

“We have a lot of guys that use the educational system with their kids,” said Mr. Tagley. “It seems to me it’s good public relations. The government does it, the state government does it and it gets people support.”

The concept would to advertise for electricians, plumbers, painters, handymen and other that live in the three Region 12 towns who are interested in being in the database.

A job ad would be put out to see if anyone listed in the database would be interested. The database would concentrate on smaller jobs.

Member Michael Sinatra, said that while the database is a good idea, it could add an extra step in the process of hiring.

He if board have heard complaints about the current system. He said proof of complaints could convince him to go along with the idea.

“One or two local people [vendors] said they would like to get some of the work,” said Mr. Bedini.

“It’s really important that we create a good public environment with people who live in the towns,” said Mr. Tagley. “I think it’s a good idea and I think there are people out there that would like to get some work done.

“The question is can we get to them? And my answer is sure we can.”

The board did not approve the repair project for Shepaug Middle High School, because the plan has not been thoroughly overlooked, despite being listed on the agenda.

“I don’t want to bring it here until it’s been overlooked properly and that’s why it’s not here tonight, because it’s better to have it correct,” said Mr. Cava. “I don’t have anything to tell you.”

Mr. Cava explained there is no date in place or time frame for the board or any members to talk about the scope of the repair work. He said it has to go through a process in order for it be correct and he does not want to waste the board’s time with further discussion until the details are in proper form.

He explained the Facilities Committee is still going over a few numbers. Members then will pass the numbers off to be approved by the bond counsel.

Dr. Cosentino reported that 797 students are enrolled in schools in Region 12 as of October 1.

The board unanimously approved a field trip to Quebec for students in Grades 8 through 12 and briefly discussed the subject of a senior taking a trip to Nepal to work closely with a doctor as her senior project.

Although it is not up to the board to decide if the trip is approved, Dr. Cosentino wanted to acknowledge the purpose of the trip, which is being finalized.

Officials Urge School Board to Take Action

Published:

Saturday, September 21, 2013 7:07 AM EDT

BRIDGEWATER-ROXBURY-WASHINGTON — The Region 12 Board of Education, meeting Monday, September 16, heard from the selectmen of the three member towns about their perspectives on what costs should appear on the referendum questions for the Shepaug Middle High School renovations and plans to consolidate the region’s three elementary schools.

Superintendent Dr. Patricia E. Cosentino showed a two-minute clip from the June 17 school board meeting that dictated the details of the options. Board members will eventually have to vote on an option for repairs to the middle high school and plans for the consolidation.

“In the heat of things people get a little excited,” said Dr. Cosentino. “I just want to share that I did bring that [the options] to the table. But we always knew that the board would have to make a decision on what they wanted to do.”

The three first selectmen were in agreement that the board needs to decide on something soon because the process has been going on too long. However they were not in agreement with the consolidation of the three schools.

Washington First Selectman Mark Lyon said the board was looking at option 2B and praised Anthony Amato’s extensive research on the numbers involved.

Option 2B is the option to consolidate the region’s three elementary schools.

“I think it would be naive and putting your head in the sand if any of us were to sit here and say what it was going to be like in 10 years,” said Mr. Lyon. “I think we have to put forth a plan that is going to address the educational needs of our students at the most cost-effective way for the next five to 10 years.”

Mr. Lyon said the board should look into a pre-kindergarten through grade 5 elementary school for the region and address the needs of the Shepaug Middle High School facility.

Roxbury First Selectman Barbara Henry reminded the board that the first selectmen had asked the board to send the consolidation option to a referendum.

Ms. Henry thought board members agreed on a cost estimate of $49 million and remembers that it would be $20 million to bring the middle high school to current standards.

“Take this to the people and let them vote,” said Ms. Henry. “Enough of these long range plans ... it just keeps going around and around. If we don’t vote on something, we are just going to keep on going around.

“Lately it doesn’t appear that we are any closer. You obviously have to put a number out there. But somebody needs to come up with a firm number that we can take it to the three towns and let them vote; then go from there.”

Bridgewater First Selectman William T. Stuart agreed with Ms. Henry that vote on the consolidation option needs to be soon.

“We thought this building was going to be put back in terrific shape and there was going to be a small building here [an elementary school on the Shepaug campus] for the young people,” said Mr. Stuart.

“I thought that’s what we were getting with the $49 million. The people of Bridgewater, Roxbury and Washington need to vote on that. You need to hear what they say.

Here we are four or five months later. You wanted our advice. We gave you our advice and you made a motion to go with our advice and now you are backing out. That’s the way I look at it.”

Board member Valerie Andersen said it was her firm impression that they were talking a major reconstruction at the middle high school as well as building a pre-kindergarten through grade 5 building.

“Give or take the numbers; we need that to be figured out by the architects,” Ms. Andersen said. “I do believe that the total package is going to be much more palpable with the Pre-K to grade 5.

“I know we are going over those numbers in a week or so and solidifying what is going to happen up here [at the middle high school].”

“These numbers have to be real and they have to come soon,” said Ms. Henry. “I am concerned about coming back and coming back again.”

Mr. Lyon thinks it would be unwise to invest millions of dollars in renovations to facilities if the population of the towns is decreasing. However, he said, something needs to be done.

“I think it would be prudent to the region to look at what it’s going to provide for good education to students for the next 10 years,” said Mr. Lyon.

Board member Alan Brown said he is concerned toward the next 20 years, because he does not like the notion of short-term projects.

“If we are changing our prediction to five years, that does reduce our long-term planning quite a bit,” said Mr. Brown. “But then it also makes option one pretty good.”

Ms. Henry explained that the buildings in disrepair are not the only issues; the economy plays a key role and many people are leaving the state.

She said those details need to be a part of the equation for the board’s decision.

“You have to re-figure these numbers and they have to be good,” said Ms. Henry. “Then bring in the people to let them know what they are voting on.

“Whatever it is, then you can move forward. You can’t keep clouding the issue because we are all confused.”

Audience members said the board is creating a burden on resident by concentrating on multiple issues. They suggested focusing at one issue at a time in order to get something accomplished.

Dr. Cosentino said the board is still not ready to discuss repair work for the middle high school because no final decisions has been made.

Allyson O’Hara, the region’s director of pupil services, gave an update on the progress of the REACH program.

There 28 students in the program; 15 are in the extended day program; the rest are in the program half day.

“We got off to a great start,” said Ms. O’Hara. “We have two classrooms total. Right now they are getting to know Washington Primary and the classrooms.”

The program has five or six more students than last year.

 Ms. O’Hara said there has been positive feedback from parents and students.

“They have done an excellent job including them [REACH students] into their school,” said Dr. Cosentino. “It’s made an impact not only on their students but also on the rest of WPS. They really bring joy and life to the building.”

A video on the summer programs is available on the region’s youtube channel or on Channel 17. Dr. Cosentino said the video is about 15 minutes and it gives an idea of what went on during the summer.

“It was a very big success and when you see the video there is a very positive light,” said Dr. Cosentino. “It was really great for the kids who love technology.”

Shepaug Middle-High School Principal Kim Gallo spoke the board the enrollment in the Virtual High School is 18 students. Two student are studying video game design; one is in engineering for sustainable energy; two in forensic science; one in AP government and politics, nine in AP computer science, one in German and two in AP statistics.

The new schedule has been implemented for the middle-high school and has not caused many issues for students.

“There were a few kids in the office looking for schedule changes,” said Ms. Gallo. “Some of them for good reasons and some for social reasons.

“The feedback from kids are more classes, so more stress, but I think they are doing okay.”

She said teachers and administrators will be monitoring students’ progress to make sure student’s concerns are heard. They will be doing some reports on the fluctuation of class sizes.

“We started off in good shape,” said Ms. Gallo. “We are in better shape now once we said no to the social reasons and yes to the academic reasons. Things are looking very nicely in the high and middle school.”

The TV studio is currently being built, according to Karen Fildes, the instructional technology specialist. Once the REACH group moved out, the studio moved right in.

The computers are ready to be put in and the broadcasting equipment will be installed during the week of October 12.

Once the equipment is set up, the region can live-stream school board meetings and can broadcast onto AT&T U-Verse.

“Our Channel 17 will become very different after that date,” said Ms. Fildes. “I also have a student intern that is helping me with the studio. We are hoping to get students in there as soon as we can.”

The superintendent’s report included news on hiring the last personnel; Marcus Oates, the technology teacher at the middle-high school, and Kimberly Harrison, the college and career coordinator.

Region 12 struggles with facilities question

Friday, September 20, 2013

Susan Tuz

Updated 10:10 am, Thursday, September 19, 2013

Bridgewater selectman candidate Leo Null called for the Region 12 Board of Education to put the brakes on as it struggles with the question of consolidation.

Null, who recently retired as the building official for the city of Danbury, called for caution Monday in making a final decision about possibly closing the region's three elementary schools and consolidating students in a new building.

"I've dealt with Kaestle Boos and other architectural firms for years," Null told the education board. "In Danbury, we finally razed a school and built a new one, then found out the census was wrong (on population projections). The city just put additions on three schools to handle the student population growth."

"Why not just bond for the work needed at Shepaug, and then deal with consolidating elementary students in one building at a later date, if needed?" Null asked.

First Selectman Mark Lyon and Board of Finance chairman Michael Jackson of Washington noted five to 10 years from now student population figures may grow.

They also reminded the region would then know if the state might plan to change small regions' districting.

A referendum date of Nov. 5 is being considered to ask voters if they want to change the regionalization plan, eliminating the requirement of having an elementary school in each of the three towns -- Bridgewater, Roxbury and Washington.

A second yes-or-no question would be asked about building a new consolidated pre-K to grade 5 building for $23 million on the Shepaug Valley Middle/High School campus and do renovations and repairs at the existing building.

The board seems stymied in arriving at a dollar figure for repair work actually needed.

Numbers fluctuate from $1.7 million to $3.6 million. The figure climbs to as much as $20 million when projecting required repairs at Shepaug forward 20 years.

First selectmen of the three towns urged education board members Monday to take the question to the voters.

"I want you to go forward," said Barbara Henry, Roxbury first selectman. "I want the people to understand what they are voting for and how far this money they're being asked for will go."

"I'm all set, if you want to spend $3 million and repair Shepaug," said Bill Stuart, Bridgewater first selectman. "I'm all for that and we probably don't have to bond for it."

The next Region 12 Board of Education business meeting will be Oct. 7 at 7 p.m. in the Shepaug library.

stuz@newstimes.com; 860-355-7322

Vote should be postponed

Friday, September 20, 2013

To the Editor:

After the Sept. 16 meeting of the Region 12 Board of Education, it is clear Region 12 will not be ready to have a referendum in November.

Since the board has not yet settled on the repairs to the existing Shepaug building, it is very unlikely a referendum will be ready for the public in time.

They must finalize the repairs list, have a district meeting and then have town meetings to educate the public on their proposal.

There is just not enough time in the seven weeks left until the municipal elections in November.

Issues regarding the septic system, the site improvements, fire sprinkling for the building and wheelchair lifts for tiered classrooms have not been resolved.

Estimates for pool repairs and selective site improvements do not not have appropriate costs for contingencies, contractor overhead/profit and price escalation.

Selecting minimum repairs to the Shepaug building and selling this as a long-term plan is inconsistent.

There is also an issue regarding the objectivity of the evaluation of tuition-out alternative.

Resolving these things will take time. It would seem reasonable to delay the referendum until some time in 2014.

Ed Wainwright

Bridgewater