Thursday, October 27, 2022
Dear Mansfield Elementary School Families and Staff:
With more than 85% of the new building project completed, we are quickly approaching a time when we can share more information regarding the opening of the new Mansfield Elementary School building. More importantly, we have a better sense of the completion date and timeline.
This afternoon the Building Committee is meeting with the Newfield Construction management team, TSKP Studio (architects), and our owner’s representative, Colliers Project Leaders, to best project a date of substantial completion. While I do not know the specific date, it appears that the building might be completed by late December. It is important to note that there are still some unknowns in terms of the procurement of materials and the completion of various critical tasks that will ultimately determine the date. However, we are tracking these items on a daily basis to ensure that we are well informed and are accurately monitoring the final stages of this project.
Once the project is substantially completed and a Certificate of Occupancy is awarded, we are able to physically work in the building. This is not the start date for students. Before we officially open, there are a series of events and tasks that will need to be completed so that we are student, staff, and family ready. The process will include staff training, student field trips to the building, packing and moving current instructional materials, setting up classrooms/offices, inviting families to tour the building, vetting final transportation plans, and then slowly moving students into the new building through a soft opening by having several grade levels/classes start first. All of these tasks will require time. We will share detailed information with you as we get closer to setting these final dates.
I am excited and thrilled, yet also understand the challenges that our students, families, and staff have experienced due to the delays of this project. Our community has patiently adapted to the alternate opening plans while continuing to best support our students. We know that school is more than just a building. Yet, it is this project that continues to be our focus that will ultimately ensure that our students move into an amazing building that supports 21st century learning and environmental sustainability.
Thank you for your continued support and look forward to sharing more information as we near the official opening of the new Mansfield Elementary School.
Sincerely,
Peter Dart
Superintendent
For more information regarding the new elementary school building project, please visit our website: https://www.mansfieldct.gov/2153/Elementary-School-Project
