Schools

$2M in Grants to Fund School Building Improvements

State grants will fund 40 percent of five projects at Westwood Regional schools.

Grants from the state totaling more than $2 million will go toward five building improvement projects at Westwood Regional schools.

The Westwood Regional Board of Education voted to accept the grants and to fund the local share — 60 percent — during their last meeting.

The projects are expected to cost a total of $6,184,362, including $2,473,745 from the state grants. The projects include $2,760,152 for the Westwood Regional High School roof, $136,140 for the Westwood Regional Middle School roof, $209,080 for the George School roof, $122,400 for the Brookside School rood and $2,956,590 for the high school facade.

The facade is falling apart in some places with mesh wiring becoming exposed. School board President Roberta Hanlon said the work would enhance the school environment and hopefully reduce energy costs.

"The building was built in the '60s," she said. "It's not energy-efficient at all."

School officials won't need to seek a tax increase or referendum to pay for the work. They already have the needed money saved in their capital improvement fund.

"We've been financially prudent and put the money away," Hanlon said. "Getting these grants is a win-win for taxpayers."

Interim Superintendent James Sheerin said he expected the work could start as soon as the summer.


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