Martone ‘bombshell’ was misinformation
The West Haven High School Building Project Team was scheduled to deliver a status report to the Board of Education at its last meeting (Sept. 17). This had been planned for quite some time, and was part of the regular agenda with all guests listed on that document. The team consists of managers from Gilbane Construction, the general contractor for the project, and Antinozzi Associates, the architects. As the chairman of the Building Committee, I was also in attendance and was prepared to answer any question from the Board members or the general public. Since this project began, my goal has been to keep all interested parties informed, and conduct building committee meetings that are open and transparent.
As soon as the Public information began, Councilwoman Louise Martone of the tenth district, asked to address the Board. To say the least, she was unprepared and ill-informed. She started her speech by declaring that the project was $7 million over budget. After announcing that she hadn’t come prepared to speak, Mrs. Martone passed out a spread sheet to the members of the Board of various change orders as proof of “her theory.” After her “bombshell,” and saying she hoped there was a good explanation, she left without waiting for one or listening to the team’s presentation. This led me to believe Mrs. Martone wasn’t there to get answers and become knowledgeable of the process.
As soon as Mrs. Martone left in the dramatic fashion that she chose to, I spoke to the Board and I believe, clarified any confusion. I began by letting everyone know that all work for the project was put out to bid, resulting in a savings of $5 million. Since enrollment projections increased, however, approximately three and a half-million dollars was needed to add nine classrooms to the school, and increase the size of the cafeteria by two thousand square feet. The remaining savings are earmarked for additional furniture, fixtures, and other equipment (Furniture, Fixtures, and Equipment – F, F, & E). Keep in mind that much of what had to be added back was a result the previous administration’s lack of planning and desire to just get something done. Not only were we facing a school that was too small on the day it opens, but one that would be without many critical elements necessary for modern teaching and learning to occur.
When the Rossi Administration took office last December, it was handed a huge debt, as well as a financial mess. This project is 77 percent funded by the State of Connecticut, but we are mindful that local tax dollars are paying for the remaining amount, and must be spent wisely. Councilwoman Martone has never attended a building committee meeting nor has she ever reached out to request financial information. My suggestion is, however, that prior to similar outbursts in the future, she should at least spend the time to educate herself on the issue at hand and not embarrass herself the way she did last Monday.
Ken Carney
Building Committee