By Dominic Konareski
Voice Writer
Another major capital improvement is coming to the West Haven school system, as Savin Rock Community School prepares for a complete roof replacement.
The Pre-K through 4th grade school has been operating under its current roof since 1995. The project comes with urgency due to ongoing leakage issues affecting multiple areas of the building.
On Oct. 4, the West Haven Board of Education voted to move the project forward, followed by the City Council’s approval on Oct.14 to accept a state grant and establish a Savin Rock Roof Replacement Building Committee. The total project budget is capped at $3.1 million, with the city already bonding $550,000 toward its local share.
West Haven Building Committee Chairman Ken Carney informed the council that the project is “ready to go to the state for approval” and noted that the city anticipates a state reimbursement of approximately 78%.
As part of the state’s requirements, a schematic design must accompany the project application. The city has already engaged an architect and completed schematic drawings in preparation for submission.
A formal public bidding process will take place once the state approves the application. Carney explained that if the bids exceed the city’s 22% cost share, the mayor will determine whether to proceed with contracting or reassess project scope.
While the approved roof design does not currently include solar panels, it allows for a potential future phase in which panels could be added.
During the planning stage, the roof underwent asbestos testing, with all results returning negative.
West Haven Superintendent Neil Cavallaro told the Voice how a full roof replacement is more cost effective, when asked why a full replacement was necessary.
Cavallaro also stated how some work will take place after school hours and that one of the main factors to selecting a company for this project will be based on their experience with other schools, stating, “experienced vendors understand the importance of allowing the school to conduct its business.”
At its Oct. 14 meeting, the City Council approved three key resolutions:
1. Authorizing the Board of Education to apply for, accept, or reject a grant for the roof replacement.
2. Establishing the Savin Rock Community School Roof Project Building Committee, consisting of the same members as the West Haven High School Building Committee.
3. Authorizing funds for the schematic drawings and outline specifications.
With approvals in place, the Savin Rock roof project is now positioned to move forward toward state review followed by public bidding.