The ability of the department to handle additional projects depends on the projects' timing, scope, and complexity. The SDE is responsible for prioritizing school construction projects and approving plans and specifications and for liaison with DPW during construction. We asked SDE to provide information about the increased workload attributable to additional V-T school projects, but did not receive that information in time to include it in this report. We will forward SDE's response when we receive it. The system has hired the architectural firm Moser, Pilon, and Nelson to evaluate the condition of each school and to help prioritize construction needs.
Construction projects are to be undertaken in three phases.
The schools in the proposal were AI Prince, Henry Abbott, and Howell Cheney. At its June 21 meeting, the SBE tentatively approved the proposal but directed the V-T school superintendent to discuss the proposed projects with the school facilities unit and scrutinize the scope and costs of each project. The SBE directed the superintendent to present his priorities within each project to the education commissioner and the SBE's V-T subcommittee by October 1. The board approved the revised proposal. But Moynahan reports that the department could look into different project management options to handle the work.