Reminder: Third Rockwell/Johnson Community Workshop is Tonight

A facility study of Rockwell and Johnson Schools was initiated by the Board of Education in early 2011 for the purposes of obtaining valid information about the current conditions of the mechanical, structural, and educational components of these buildings. Rockwell School was completed in 1971 and Johnson School was finished in 1980. As you know, aside from the recent boiler installations and 1998 roof replacements at both schools, no renovation or code work has take place in these facilities since their initial construction. 

After multiple Request For Qualifications and Request For Proposal interviews, the Board selected the firm of Drummey, Rosane, and Anderson, Architects & Consultants, a highly respected Connecticut firm having particular expertise in school planning and design, to perform a forensic study on both school buildings.  DRA brought their professional team of skilled, experienced architects and engineers to:

•  locate and evaluate any deficiencies in  these 30-40 year old schools

•  judge the degree of concern presented by any deficiency

•  present options to correct deficiencies while also recommending meaningful educational program  improvement options

•  develop current-use suggestions that would extend the useful life of both schools

•  devise scenarios or options to assist the Board and Town leaders in making judgments about the cost/benefits of various extend-the-life options 

The study involved:

•  a detailed forensic investigative study of the existing conditions in each school

•  a careful study of existing educational programs and future curriculum/student requirements

•  an investigation into student population trends and growth expectations

•  development of various ideas for coping with building deficiencies

•  a series of workshops to explain the challenges and opportunities to the community

•  a final report with recommended solutions and cost estimates

What has already taken place?

•  DRA’s professional consultants completed their investigations of the existing conditions at both schools.

•  Two Community Workshops were held to obtain public input and present preliminary findings:

Workshop #1, () on May 23, focused on listening to taxpayers express their opinions about the facilities based upon their own usage of the buildings as parents and as citizens without children.   A walking tour allowed participants to see all aspects of the buildings.  Faculty members at both schools also were invited to speak about the limitations the current buildings placed on teaching and learning.

Workshop #2, on June 13, focused on the existing conditions and deficiencies were presented to attendees based upon the architect’s initial review, with accompanying photographs of areas requiring further study.

Bi-weekly meetings, held between DRA and the Project Oversight Committee, examined architectural options aimed at addressing areas identified as deficiencies.

Through this email, I invite all parents to attend our third Community Workshop to examine the work of DRA and to hear the range of options that will be presented to the Board of Education and to the Town of Bethel.  This meeting will be held on Tuesday, Oct. 11 at the Bethel High School Auditorium commencing at 7 p.m. The purpose of this workshop is for this study and process to remain transparent as we seek to fully inform all interested and affected parties about the conditions of these two important Town facilities.

Recently, the Board of Education learned of the possibility that new federal funding may be available in 2012-2013 which could add to the state’s “rate of reimbursement” for any local school renovation project. Our goal is to be knowledgeable about the condition of our schools and to fully understand all funding opportunities that may lessen the burden on Bethel taxpayers. 

On behalf of the Board of Education, I hope to see you at this important meeting.

Lawrence Craybas, Chairman
Bethel Board of Education