Superintendent’s Corner Column

Referendum Update

December 2020

 

“Building is about getting around the obstacles that are presented to you.” Jeremy Renner

 

The Verona Public Schools District is pleased to announce the approval of a contract with Environmental Climate Control, Inc. (ECC). The Verona Board of Education approved a $6.2 million contract with ECC as the lowest bidder during a special Board meeting on Tuesday, December 22, 2020. The District maintains the sufficient funds allocated in the referendum budget to meet the contractual obligations of this contract which includes heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) outlined in the referendum capital improvement project for H.B. Whitehorne Middle School and all four elementary schools (Brookdale, Forest, F.N. Brown, and Laning).  

 

We have been engaged in the negotiation process for the past several months in an effort to finalize this important project. ECC recently completed the Verona High School HVAC project and the District was pleased with their craftsmanship and responsiveness. We are currently in the process of completing construction documentation with AECOM, the District architect and engineer. 

 

ECC will begin the labor portion of the project this winter, including but not limited to electrical and plumbing projects over the next several months. This preliminary construction work will be completed off normal school hours when the school day has concluded to avoid disruption to teaching and learning. The coordination of this project will be conducted by Legacy Construction Management  and the support of Mr. Joseph Higgins, Director of Facilities. The anticipated HVAC project completion date is Summer 2021, barring production delays and contingent upon receipt of univent and rooftop units from the manufacturer.

 

The holiday season is upon us and it is fitting to express our appreciation and gratitude for everyone who has worked with us to accomplish our goals over the past several months. We are grateful to our teachers, administrators, and support staff for their collective efforts in meeting the needs of our students. We are also thankful for the support of our parents and students, for they have been and remain important members of our team.

 

The holidays mark a moment reserved for slowing down, enjoying time with the people who matter most to us, giving to people in need, and for expressing gratitude. On behalf of our Board of Education, we wish you a happy holiday season filled with joy and good health. 

 

Sincerely,

 

 

Dr. Rui Dionisio

Superintendent of Schools