Trumbull High School renovations will continue into the new school year, but not during the school day.
That means it shouldn't interfere with Trumbull High School's re-accreditation by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges, which begins with a three-day review of the school in October. School opens Aug. 27 for about 6,850 Trumbull students, slightly less than last year's student population.
"We're ready to go for the October visit," said the new THS Principal Marc Guarino (pronounced "Garino"). NEASC officials will tour the school grounds Oct. 6 through 8, he added. Renovations began in 2006.
Town Fire Marshal Megan Murphy has given the school a temporary seal of approval after touring the building July 31, according to Schools Supt. Gary Cialfi, who started leading the district July 1 after his predecessor retired.
"She already has stated the building is going to be open without safety concerns," Cialfi said. "We're in good shape."
But that does not mean the as-new renovation job is finished.
Owner's Rep. Al Barbarotta, who is overseeing the construction, said while THS' opening will be the "best they have had in four years," there is still work that won't be finished before Aug. 27.
The list includes roof lighting, metal work, smoke detection issues involving the sensors in the rooftop duct work and "technology items."
Still, "The school is cleaner, better and more complete than it has ever been," Barbarotta said recently.
"Value Engineered Out"
Barbarotta also produced a list of items that can't be done without more funding, including some that were removed from the project early on through "value engineering":
- Fly space on stage
- Window tinting in the gym
- Removing all classroom casework
- Privacy panels at the teachers' collaboration areas
- Display cases at the gym
- Replacing the auxiliary gym floor
- Pool and landscaping
- Multi-use fitness room
The High School Building Committee is meeting again to discuss how to proceed. Money remains for contingencies and could become free in the end to complete some of the work.
There was progress on another front. Public Works Director John Marsilio said his department is proceeding with construction on the concession stand and it should be open in time for the school year. It is under budget, he added.
The design is not ornate but it is functional, he said. Students sell food and drink there to raise money for class functions.
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