In a typical year, Hans Otto, Manager of Facilities Operations for the New Canaan public school system, oversees $800,000 to $1 million worth of capital projects, above and beyond operating maintenance. But due to town budget cuts this year the school system was granted only $140,000 for capital projects.
Those funds are primarily going towards upgrades required by code updates and state mandates, including cleaning up underground oil tanks, installing reduced pressure devices on water lines, and resurfacing and putting in new grease traps in the cafeterias. Additionally, the Saxe Middle School playground is being resurfaced as an essential repair.
Otto had to put off nearly $1.5 million worth of capital projects including an update to building environmental control systems, boiler replacements, and painting projects.
While he's not worried about a year or two of deferred maintenance, Otto says prolonged delays could become problematic.
"When you come up with a plan and a major year gets deferred, the five-year plan becomes a six-year plan. If you can't stay within the plan, it messes up your whole future," Otto said.
The operational budget for the school system also took a $500,000 hit this year, which meant the elimination of two custodial positions. To make up for those cuts, custodial crews will be doing more cleaning with furniture left in place, and more burnishing and polishing in lieu of waxing floors. Cleaning of high glass in school buildings and commercial carpet cleaning will be skipped this year too.
With students returning before Labor Day this year, that left only 49 days between the last day of classes and the first day of the new school calendar, and only one week when the buildings would be free of students, faculty, and summer activities. Otto says his crews are now in "defense mode," completing upgrades and cleaning projects in anticipation of the Aug. 31 start date.
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