Date: Fri 20-Oct-1995

Publication: Bee

Author: ANDYG

Quick Words:

school-additions-council

Full Text:

Council Considers Expert Review Of School Costs

Legislative Council members, concerned that the projected costs for

renovations and improvments to Newtown High School and Hawley School have been

increasing, are considering hiring a financial analyst to review the proposed

school construction costs.

Members of the council's Finance Committee met October 18 to adddress the

spending proposals which have increased to more than $30 million.

Council member Pierre Rochman told committee members that the price of the

proposed school expansion and renovation work just keeps increasing. Such

construction work would have a huge financial impact on the town, he said.

Mr Rochman suggested hiring a financial analyst to scrutinize the school

system's spending plans.

Finance Committee Chairman Joseph McGowan suggested that council members seek

answers to spending questions from the Board of Education.

Council Chairman Joseph Mahoney suggested that the council invite school board

representatives to confer with the council about the spending plans for school

improvements and expansion work. If the answers provided to the council are

unsatisfactory, the full council could then decide whether to hire a financial

analyst to review the school system's spending plans, he said.

The school system is in the design phase for its construction projects. Voters

are expected to act next spring on the construction funding proposals.