Asbestos Abatement Notification

Phase 1 December 2022 - December 2023

• Phase 1 includes nearly 22,000 square feet of new space at both the north and south ends of the building. Included in this portion of the project are the new kitchen and cafeteria, gymnasium, new and refurbished classrooms, and special education rooms as well as the creation of enclosed courtyard spaces for student learning. Modifications to meet ADA requirements will be addressed in this phase.

Phase 2 December 2023 - July 2024

• Phase 2 includes a comprehensive renovation and reimagination of the core spaces of the building as well as the “upper wing” of Latimer Lane. The transition of the original gymnasium and cafeteria into a new art room and library media center will be completed. Additionally, new spaces for instrumental music instruction and performance will be renovated as well as the renovation of classrooms. Modifications to meet ADA requirements will be addressed in this phase as well.

Phase 3 July 2024 - December 2024

• The final phase of construction is the front wing of the building and the office suite and includes  refurbishment of classrooms and intervention spaces, the front office and nurse's office area as well as completing the figure 8 hallways pattern in the building ensuring accessibility for all.

 

 

 

 

 

                                                                                   View from the North                                                                                                                                                View from Mountain Road

 

    

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                                                    View of the new cafeteria                                                                                                          Ariel view of the Latimer Lane School at build completion

Why is a second referendum necessary for the Latimer Lane School project?

On May 4, 2021 the town approved at referendum $36,792,406, with a 79% vote in favor, for the long-needed renovation of Latimer Lane School. In April of 2022, the revised cost estimates predicted that supply chain disruptions and rising costs due to inflation would drive the cost of the project roughly $3,000,000 over the approved renovation cost. 

Was a second look taken at the items included in the project to see where cost efficiencies could be found?

The design was reviewed and revised to move some items onto an alternate bid list, while replacing other items with less costly alternatives. This exercise reduced the projected overage.  Nonetheless, the total cost required to complete the project exceeds the referendum approval by $1,766,974.

Are any of the items from the alternate bid list going to be included at referendum?

Yes, at the Board of Education meeting on November 10, 2022 the board approved an additional $494,683 to address site work considerations which provide intentionally-designed outdoor learning spaces and accessibility for all students.

What is the total of the additional appropriation for the project that residents will be asked to vote on at referendum?

The proposed supplemental appropriation is $2,261,837.

How will this additional appropriation affect taxpayers?

The additional appropriation will be covered through American Rescue Plan (ARPA) funds and the town’s capital reserve.  There will be no financial impact on the taxpayer. 

How will access be addressed during the construction?

Access to the building throughout the first two phases of construction will still be through the main entrance. During the final phase of construction, which includes the front office area, access to the building will be through a temporary entrance in the cafeteria. School security and access will remain a focal point throughout the entire construction process and is an ongoing conversation with the architect and construction management team. All exterior doors will continue to be locked throughout the project and interior hallways with areas under construction will be closed off for safety.

What is the reimbursement rate we received from the State of Connecticut for this project?

The school district has worked with the CT Department of Administrative Services Office of School Construction Grants & Review (OSCG&R) since inception of the project. In December the OSCG&R submits a school construction priority list to the Governor and Education Committee.  Once the projects are approved, they are voted on by the CT General Assembly.  The Latimer Lane School project was approved with a reimbursement rate of 33.57% in December 2021.

How will the movement of classrooms be addressed during the phasing of the project?

A comprehensive plan has been developed and is currently being implemented to avoid classrooms having to relocate an excessive number of times during the construction process. The plan calls for each classroom to move twice - once to a temporary location, while their portion of the building is under construction, and a second time to their permanent location. This was only made possible by close collaboration with the administration, architect and construction team to limit the number of phases of the project.

Simsbury Board of Education May 23, 2023 Presentation

Latimer Lane staff and student tours