Clarksburg School Pushing Aggressive Time Line for New Entryway

The Clarksburg School Committee is pushing to have a new secure entryway installed before the end of February -- the deadline to use a $35,000 state grant.

iBerkshires.com  reports the aggressive time frame means that teachers will be asked in upcoming negotiations to agree to a two-week holiday break, starting with a half day on Friday, Dec. 20, and ending on Friday, Jan. 3.

School Superintendent John Franzoni said starting work on that Friday would be part of the bid process, which also would outline work being done over Thanksgiving, Christmas break and, if necessary, February vacation.

The original plans for renovating the school had included upgrades in security to the 60-year-old building. But the failed renovation vote means the school is trying implement priority upgrades piecemeal. This is only the second major project after since failed vote.

The new entry will include a safety glass airlock that will allow the office personnel to see who has entered and be able to buzz them in. The office on the right side of the entry will have a safety window installed and dropbox and the office's exterior door will be replaced with a safety glass window.

A second phase of work is hoped to start later in the year to create a second office within the administrative area.

The funds are coming from a $35,000 school security grant secured by Barnes with the balance coming from the $1 million in borrowing approved by town meeting earlier this year for capital projects for the town and school.