BURRILLVILLE – Work will soon be underway on projects on all five buildings in the Burrillville School District, thanks to decisive approval of a $7 million bond to fund improvements over the next five years.
Supt. Michael Sollitto said this week that the projects will, “begin immediately.”
“We are thrilled that the school bond referendum was overwhelmingly approved,” Sollitto told NRI NOW in reaction this week. “A big thank you to all who support our schools.”
The referendum was approved by 5,655 of voters in town, or more than 72 percent, according to uncertified results from Tuesday’s election, published this week by the Secretary of State. Only 2,154 voters cast ballots against the plan, which had unanimous support from both the town manager, and members of the Town Council.
The money will finance a long list of repairs, from upgraded media centers, to roofs and boilers.
“We have lots of work ahead of us but we are beginning immediately,” Sollitto said.
The superintendent said he is now in the process of setting up a meeting with the Rhode Island Department of Education School Building Authority to ensure that all proper protocols are followed. The list of repairs was vetted through a five-year Capital Improvement Plan, and the district expects to be reimbursed for more than half of the infrastructure spending through housing aid from RIDE.
“The projects will be broken down over a 5-year period with each school positively impacted,” Sollitto said.
Projects include multiple improvements for heating and ventilation systems, roof replacements, window replacements, hot water system upgrades, fire panel upgrades, and renovations to library media centers.
Construction will replace elements of some buildings that are more than 30 years old, and they also come with savings, with HVAC work slated to improve efficiency, and lower utility bills.
Total costs for the renovations are estimated at $7,214,340, with the remaining $214,340 to be funded from the town’s capital reserve. All work is expected to be completed by June 30 of 2025, and come with an expected useful life of 10 to 25 years.
“All of these projects will benefit our students and staff and represent a long-term investment in our schools,” Sollitto said.
