WARWICK, RI — Director of Buildings and Grounds Steven Gothberg updated the Warwick School Committee on HVAC upgrades to Warwick Veterans Jr. High and conversion of the Gorton building into administrative space during Tuesday night’s meeting.
According to School Finance Director Anthony Ferrucci, the Veterans HVAC project is funded by bond proceeds. Warwick Schools secured $5.1 million in January 2016 and the balance, $4.4 million was approved in January 2017.
Of the $9.4 million approved, $8.8 million was allocated to the Vets HVAC project, Ferucci said.
According to the 2017 Warwick Public Schools budget, $400,000 was allocated for the conversion of the Gorton building. The Gorton project was not funded using bonds.
During that part of Gothberg’s presentation, a few voices interrupted him to call out, “air conditioners,” referencing an emergency $36,000 purchase of air conditioners questioned by School Committee Member Karen Bachus during the July 11 meeting.
Ferrucci argued the purchase was necessary to quickly finish work to prepare the district for school in the fall. Bachus said it was an improper use of funds without the school board’s approval.
Author: Rob Borkowski
Rob has worked as reporter and editor for several publications, including The Kent County Daily Times and Coventry Courier, before working for Gatehouse in MA then moving home with Patch Media. Now he's publisher and editor of WarwickPost.com. Contact him at [email protected] with tips, press releases, advertising inquiries, and concerns.
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