By Michelle L. Santoro

Sherman – What began more than three years ago, and took two referendums for approval, is now much more than just a concept.  The Sherman School Renovation project is in full swing. Phase 2A, which is completing the major renovation of the school—about 80% along with demolishing the 1930’s wing and building a new addition—was always planned for completion by August 2026. However, winter conditions and delivery timelines, forced readjustment of that timeline and “move-in” to the renovated area (swing space) is now planned for January 2027, following Christmas break.

Briefly, the second referendum passed October 5, 2024, with Planning and Zoning approval coming in spring, 2025.  Final Plans were reviewed April 2025, and packing commenced in May.  The construction crew began abatement and demolition during the summer months (2025).  By winter, 2026, the footings and foundations for the music room, art room and west classroom additions were poured.

By March, crews were finalizing steel replacement and column reinforcing details on the lower level, in-wall rough for electrical data/AV/IT needs was ongoing and pouring of the kitchen slab was planned.  By May, roof work commenced.  The winter conditions and equipment delivery dates impacted the timeline, which was modified; however, completion of Phase 2B of the project, which includes the three classrooms on the south side of the swing space, is expected by the fall of 2027.

On the architectural side, originally two phases were anticipated. However, Mr. LoSasso of Antinozzi said, due to vendor pricing delays on the technology side “created by macro-economic factors,” they split the furniture, fixtures, and equipment and technology packages into two phases – thus arriving at three total phases for the project.

At the last School Building Committee (“SBC”) meeting on July 20, member Tim Laughlin requested from Newfield an update on the status of the east wall and the construction change directive (CCD). LoSasso noted that the original goal was to keep the wall intact as much as possible; however, growing concerns over stabilization led to the decision to “remove more of the veneer to eliminate the possibility of any safety hazard to the site itself,” and resulted in “better weather proofing for the grades 2-4 and 5-8 classroom walls.”  The SBC was advised that local and state building officials were involved in the CCD decision-making process.

Those in attendance were also provided updates on “various aspects of progress on the east elevation in addition to other project zones, progress on the drainage and exterior grounds work performed as well as installation of the generator and abatement for phase two,” which is close to completion.

Superintendent Dr. Patricia Cosentino said, “The administration is very excited for the new school.  We are currently preparing for the first day of school for staff to be Sept. 1st and for students Sept. 3rd.  The work on the new building is coming along.  We will move into the new building in January 2027.  The whole building will be completed by September 2027 with some exterior groundwork to be completed in the fall.”  She noted the setbacks due to the harsh winter and the very rainy summer but said the project was still on track to be completed on time.

Dr. Pat went on noting, “The project has been a collaboration of the Town Leaders, School Building Committee, School Board of Education, Public Works Department and the school staff.  I am proud to say we are all working together in a positive, professional manner to get the school building built.  The new, renovated Sherman School will be a focal point of the Town of Sherman, a school we can all be proud of.  It will educate Sherman children for many years to come.”

As a reminder, due to extensive campus construction, the main Sherman School campus is completely closed for the summer of 2026.  Both the school office and the Business Office are located offsite in the office space directly next to Sacred Grounds.  A more-in-depth article will be published in our August 27 issue. The first day of school for students is September 3.