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Architects and construction managers, capital projects committee members and administrators will answer questions from members of the community at the board of education's meeting Wednesday.
Before the district has a public vote in October on decisions about bonds for its capital plans, officials said they want to make sure to address community concerns. The plan could cost up to $75.67 million, according to school officials, if all projects currently proposed get the green light.
Capital plans include completely renovating West Patent Elementary School, improving the science labs and cafeteria at Fox Lane Middle School, improving Fox Lane High School’s stadium and various other infrastructure repairs throughout the district.
The event, which begins at 7 p.m. at Fox Lane Middle School, will have eight tables set up around the school's Little Theatre, including:
Architects: Panelists will discuss the conceptual designs they are working on and why.
Capital Planning Committee: Committee members will discuss the committee’s work, specifically how they have categorized and prioritized projects.
Construction Manager: The construction manager will discuss how he estimates costs and explain his role during planning and construction.
Finance and Debt Management: This table will discuss restrictions and regulations on school capital spending, as well as ways to approach capital financing. In addition, panelists will address debt management for capital projects and the district’s structure resolutions to accommodate both public and private money and maximize use of money.
Security: The security table will discuss how the capital plan could address district security concerns.
Sustainability: This table will speak to how the capital plan would address the greening of school buildings and, in turn, help the efforts of Bedford 2020. Panelists will explain how sustainability will help reduce costs and minimize the schools' environmental “footprint.”
West Patent Elementary School: Panelists will address the school's needs and the ways in which a capital plan would support the school's academic efforts in addition to bringing West Patent Elementary up to physical conditions other schools in the district already have achieved.
Athletic Track and Field Facilities: Panelists will discuss the condition of the track and turf field and the benefits of replacing it. Attendees also will get a sense of the facility in comparison to other school districts' fields.
This event is another example of the district's efforts to foster dialogue with the community on the capital plan, officials said. Another is the Community Investment Program, which is headed by constituents of the school district.
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