Putnam schools

get $1M+

for projects

By Linda Lemmon

Town Crier Editor

PUTNAM — The state awarded more than $1 million to the school system last week and the school system plans to spend it very soon.

The State Bond Commission last week approved more than $1 million for Putnam and School Superintendent William Hull said it will be used for several capital projects at Putnam Elementary School and Putnam Middle School.

The grease trap at the elementary and middle school will be replaced, he said.

All the doors at the middle school and the elementary school will be replaced. “This is to make it more energy efficient and secure,” he said.

The phone system at the elementary and middle schools will be replaced and central air will be installed at both schools.

Hull said the energy updates will save the school system money in the long run.

The money will arrive in a week or so and the school system will write up the specs, advertise and award the contracts in short order.

Hull anticipates that the grease trap project will be done in August. He said the door replacements and the phone system will be done this summer and the air conditioning will be done in the fall.

In announcing the receipt of the $1 million–plus to Putnam and nearly $570,000 to Killingly schools, state Representative Danny Rovero said, “I am very happy to learn that the state has given its approval to help distressed towns. These funds will be used for general repairs or much-needed school building upgrades.  While there are certain criteria that must be met, school administrators can earmark the money to address their specific needs.  It is important to realize that by keeping up with repairs we can extend the life of school buildings.”

State Senator Mae Flexer said, “The students and staff are our highest priority and I am pleased that this funding will allow districts to spend more of their budgets on the learning that takes place in our classrooms. Communities that qualify for Alliance grants are often the towns with the least resources to support their school districts. It is critical that the state partner with these communities to support local education because every child should have the same chance at success, not just children who grow up in wealthier