School Construction Delays Shake Confidence In ‘The System’

(The following letter to Robert Mitchell, chairman of the Newtown Building and Site Commission, has been received for publication.)

Dear Mr Mitchell and Commission Members:

We are writing to express our concern and frustration as regards the ongoing construction delays of the Newtown High School addition. The latest report from the Newtown High School blog informs the public that “due to potentially unresolved code issues, our scheduled move is delayed…” Similar reports have also been published in the Danbury News-Times and The Newtown Bee. This is disconcerting.

Many of us who have been involved in construction projects know that some delays are inevitable and expected. However, on behalf of our 606 members, we feel the responsibility to let you know that people are losing patience and confidence in “the system.”

Sports programs have been dramatically impacted. Thousands of extra dollars have been spent on transportation of sports teams (girls swimming, volleyball, football) to other venues. Revenue has been lost in stadium admission fees. Valuable homework time is lost in transit. Soccer and field hockey Senior Nights and band competitions have been displaced.

Academically, students are losing time to reap the benefits of new instructional space, including science labs, art studios, and culinary facilities.

Parking facilities are inadequate due to the delay in reconfiguration of parking lots.

We now look to you, our appointed officials, for support and leadership. We urge you to work together with the involved parties to do everything in your purview to move this project to completion as soon as possible. Our students need their school back. Thank you for your attention to this matter.

Sincerely,

Carla Kron

President

for all the officers of the

Newtown High School PTSA

12 Berkshire Road, Sandy Hook                               October 27, 2010