Before former and current members of the Public Building & Site Commission were individually introduced at the Board of Education's meeting Tuesday, March 7, Superintendent of Schools Joseph V. Erardi, Jr, said the celebration of excellence portion of the meeting recognized the "extraordinary responsibility" the commission members had in building the new Sandy Hook Elementary School.

The superintendent reminded those in attendance that on July 29 members of the news media were invited to the new school building. On that day, Dr Erardi said he told the gathered media that the Public Building & Site Commission, led by Chairman Robert Mitchell, built the school "like they were building their own home."

"Thus the reason why on August 29, one month later, that school opened to student celebration and the opportunity for youngsters to be in a building with extraordinary opportunities through the new build of Sandy Hook," said Dr Erardi.

The school board's celebration, Dr Erardi continued, was a way for the school board, the superintendent's office, district leadership, and the entire community to recognize the new building was made possible thanks to "dedicated [public] servants that decided to raise their hand for a very difficult task."

Board of Education Chairman Keith Alexander and Mr Mitchell handed out framed certificates of appreciation to those present for the meeting. Others were also recognized for their efforts but they could not attend the meeting.

Certificates of appreciation were made for Mr Mitchell, Thomas Catalina, Anthony D'Angelo, Bob Edwards, Roger Letso, Rick Matschke, Joe Borst, Peter Samoskevich, Tom Hanlon, and Jim Juliano.

Mr Alexander also shared his thanks for the Public Building & Site Commission members' efforts.

The school, he said, "is a very happy place. If you ever get a chance to be there in the afternoon it is beautiful; but if you ever get to see the kids walking in, it's perfect."

The experience for the Sandy Hook School students, Mr Alexander said, "is breathtaking and we appreciate all the efforts of the Public Building & Site on that."

Mr Mitchell said the building was made possible through the community's efforts. He also noted how incredible it is to go from "the horrible day" to the "birth" of the building in less than four years.

Holding his certificate of appreciation, Mr Mitchell shared that a neighbor attends Sandy Hook School now, and told him the student's favorite part of the school is the "sky walk" and "tree house" areas. The tree houses at the end of the second floor classroom hallways, Mr Mitchell added, were first thought up by his wife, Cindy Mitchell, who used to work at the school.

"With the watchful eyes across the world" Dr Erardi said he felt it important to note that the project was "done beautifully, it was done on time, it was done under budget, and it was done that way because of the gentlemen standing behind me. So we thank you."