Middletown school construction remains on timeline; town forms library building committee

Town officials gave a multi-part update on the school building program and announced a governance structure for a proposed new library.

School building update
Town project managers reported the two-school project remains on its planned schedule and within the overall authorized amount. Key numbers presented by the town’s project manager and external consultants:
- Voter-approved authorization: $190,000,000 (project total authorized by voters).
- Construction estimate line items: building construction and demolition estimated at about $144,200,000; furniture, fixtures & equipment around $5,600,000; site and utility work estimated at $27,200,000; project contingency carried at $13,000,000.
Staff said the project remains on track for start of school occupancy in September 2027. The project team is reconciling contractor and architect cost estimates in January and will finalize 100% construction documents in spring 2025. The town also reiterated that an additional $20 million in capital repairs or related projects (separately identified from the voter-approved amount) could be pursued for 55% state reimbursement if the town identifies eligible items and funding sources.

Library governance and procurement
The council approved a new library building committee ordinance modeled on the school building committee. The ordinance creates joint oversight between the council and the library board of trustees and requires town and library participation to make the project eligible for state reimbursement programs. The town has issued an RFQ for construction management and project management services; five responses were received and interviews will follow after the library board appointments to the new committee.

Why it matters
The council’s action clarifies governance for the library project and keeps the school construction on a schedule that will let the town reconcile detailed costs before construction. Officials said the 55% reimbursement component for eligible work (for example, site acquisition or certain HVAC/boiler emergency repairs) can significantly reduce town costs but is contingent on state rules and documentation.

Speakers (from transcript)
Sean Brown — Town Administrator (presented the project updates).Colliers/consultants — project managers and cost-estimators (presented budget reconciliation schedule).