By Michelle L. Santoro

Sherman – Following the Board of Selectmen’s (“BOS”) attendance at a Sherman School Building Committee (“SBC”) meeting in February, a joint special meeting between the two, along with the Board of Education (“BOE”), was held Monday, March 6 in person and on ZOOM. 

Following a brief recap of the SBC’s history, discussion ensued regarding appointing new members to the committee.  First Selectman Don Lowe spoke with respect to the ambiguity over the process of appointing/adding new members.  Due to a recent resignation, the SBC is down one member.  There was disagreement between the BOS and SBC members regarding how new members should be chosen – by the BOS or the SBC.  BOE Chair and SBC member Matt Vogt suggested that the BOS nominate and the SBC vote to accept or reject such nomination(s).  Upon the suggestion of Selectman and SBC member Joel Bruzinski, it was agreed the SBC would recommend the BOS persons for appointment to the SBC, and the BOS would vote to approve.   Following discussion, the SBC voted to recommend the appointment of the entirety of the BOS board and the Town’s Treasurer to its committee.

Next, discussion ensued regarding the three enrollment projection studies received – from Peter Prowda, SLAM and New England School Development Council (“NESDEC”), and an analysis of timing of an alternate education model wherein Sherman students in grades PK-5 remain locally and students in grades 6-12 are educated as part of a single, interdistrict cooperative. Each projection study arrived at different projected numbers for student enrollment for the 2031-32 school year. BOE and SBC member Tim Laughlin summarized the three projection reports and noted that the BOE compared each with the highest enrollment in the preceding eight years, which is what the State requires when considering school construction/renovation projects.  Mr. Laughlin said an initial analysis revealed it is not financially efficient to adopt the alternate plan; however, a final analysis is not yet complete.  Selectman Bob Ostrosky highlighted the importance of providing all information to taxpayers – even an analysis of costs for school of choice for students in an alternate model.  Mr. Lowe went on record to remind all that this (the project) has more than just financial ramifications, that human beings, children are involved, a sentiment for which Mr. Laughlin thanked the selectman for iterating.

Mr. Laughlin provided an overview of “potential project pathways,” which include modified comprehensive renovations, enabling projects and new construction.  The information provided included a summary of construction costs for various school construction/renovation projects throughout the state.  Michael LoSasso, a principal at Antinozzi Associates (“Antinozzi”), previously retained by the SBC prior to referendum to lead the Town’s architectural and engineering team for the project, was on hand to provide further clarification.  Mr. Ostrosky iterated the importance of necessary repairs to ensure safety for students and staff, a need no one discounted the importance of.  

Members of the various boards/committee discussed the qualifications of the Town’s on-call engineer and whether he is the best person to review potential project pathways and provide an analysis of his review.  Some pointed to his recent experience with school construction projects in New Fairfield and Danbury.

During public comment, residents posed various questions to the boards/committee members, including final costs after state reimbursement and whether it costs less to build a new, smaller building; one resident suggested possibly putting the current school building for sale (to a developer), the proceeds of which could be used to offset costs to taxpayers.  One resident questioned enrollment projections and demolition costs.  Echoing Mr. Ostrosky, another resident expressed the need for a list of necessary repairs.  One resident requested that the district consider other options for school choice – including Brookfield.  Another resident suggested disbanding the SBC and starting fresh with a new committee.  A self-described “old school” resident commented that no one has really focused on repairing the existing school and suggested reaching out to the Air National Guard to assist with repairs.  Another questioned why the cost has risen so greatly in the past few years and iterated how many residents really do not understand the vast repairs and the price tag attached thereto; suggesting perhaps an “a la carte” fix and the costs therefore, which might then convey that in doing so would possible cost the Town more in the long run.  Further discussion ensued following most comments, with some particularly tense moments.  The resounding message – the dissemination of information is crucial.