Region 15 Board of Education Newsletter

Volume 1, Issue 3, November 1, 2024

The renovated PHS culinary classroom features commercial equipment and induction cooktops.

At a cost of $556,000, the district has renovated the PHS culinary classroom, increasing its capacity, and upgrading the room with new commercial-grade appliances. 

Culinary classes are the high school's most sought-after elective. An adjacent storage space was converted and merged into the existing classroom space, doubling the classroom's size. As a result, the school can now double the availability of classes offered to students.

The updated appliances include induction ovens to more closely mirror a commercial cooking environment, and additional cold storage and dishwashing capacity.  The extra capacity allows for increased turnaround time between classes and permits students a greater variety of recipes to cook.

Renovated MMS media center features new carpeting, furniture, and energy-efficient lighting

The district installed updated furniture, lighting, and carpeting in the MMS library media center as part the board's ongoing focus on capital improvements.

The media center was previously spread across two levels. The renovation included new flooring to raise the lower level to the same height as the main level, allowing a more effective use of the space. 

Funding for the MMS media center project came from a May 2023 voter-approved $11.3 million dollar bond dedicated to funding capital repairs.

The money has funded many other district improvements to date, including but not limited to the MMS media center and RMS lockers.

At PHS the money has funded several now-completed projects: new tennis courts; the culinary classroom renovation; visitor-side bleachers and an athletic equipment storage shed; and new auditorium stage floors, curtains, and lighting.

The PHS pool is nearing completion of its first full renovation since it was built 45 years ago.

Bond money and grant money were used to purchase several HVAC unit replacements at PHS, fire panel replacements at some schools, and security camera upgrades at all schools.

Additional HVAC unit replacements are anticipated at MMS and RMS.

The board continues to discuss additional bond-funded project work.

For the latest information on multiple R15 capital projects visit https://www.region15.org/about-us/building-projects

Crane and Simple!  A crane lifts a new HVAC unit onto the PHS roof in October. The new unit will service the natatorium, the renovation of which is nearing completion. The older HVAC unit was original to the building. It was so large that it was installed first, and then the building was built around it. Currently, construction crews have created a new opening in the wall to pass through the new unit and remove the old one.  

A Myrtha Makeover! The renovated PHS pool uses a Myrtha Pools lining, as shown in the photo on the right.  The pool lining is stainless steel paneling, which resists chemicals and corrosion.  The lining is modular, which permits a renovation without significant demolition.

At its Oct 28, 2024 meeting the board unanimously voted to hire Tecton Architects of Hartford to conduct a feasibility study of GES and PES.  Tecton was recommended to the board by the Region 15 Feasibility Committee comprised of administrators, board members, Southbury and Middlebury town hall representatives, teachers, and parents.

The committee reviewed proposals from nine architectural firms and interviewed four of the nine firms in September.

Tecton will examine different options for the futures of GES and PES -- the districts two oldest schools. The firm will interview Southbury and Middlebury residents, students, and district employees over the next several months as well as research the cost effectiveness of renovating each school, combining the schools into a single renovated school, or building a new consolidated school.

The project may offer possible district-wide benefits. One possibility is to plan to seat more students in Southbury and therefore ease the overcrowding of the district's Middlebury schools.  Also, new construction will be more energy efficient resulting in long-term reduced energy costs.

After analyzing community input, projected enrollment, and construction costs, Tecton will put forth various proposals in the spring for new or renovated schools. From those proposals, the committee will make a final recommendation to the board. Should the board vote to move forward any construction project, it would seek community funding in a May 2026 referendum.

Tecton gave a brief presentation to the board on Oct 28th during which it elaborated on its process, including how it would engage the community to obtain a diverse perspective.

Board of Education meetings are Mondays at 7:30pm in the PHS Media Center unless indicated otherwise. Meetings can be watched live online. Click the YouTube logo to access the board's live and recorded meeting videos.  

To email the entire Region 15 Board of Education: Region15BOE@Region15.org

*Source: Freedom of Information Act, Conn. Gen. Stats. Chapter 14