By Harry Fisher
Proposal for Old Greenwich Elementary School Renovation
On June 23, 2023, the Board of Estimate and Taxation (BET) was presented with a proposal to renovate and expand the Old Greenwich Elementary School (OGS). I write here to explain my vote of No.
Short Circuiting the Budget Approval Process
As stated by various Republican members of the BET, the Board of Education (BOE) and the OGS Building Committee (OGSBC) were trying to short circuit the budget approval process in violation of our Town Charter in order to make a June 30th deadline to apply for state funding that might return up to 10% of the $ 42 million total proposed budget to the town.
Concerns Over Budget Inflation and Non-discussed Alternatives
While the originally anticipated cost to renovate OGS was estimated at about $ 24 million might have been an acceptable expenditure to renovate a 120-year-old building, spending an additional $ 40 million, over a previously approved $ 2 million, is questionable. Moreover, it seems clear from presentations that the $40 million is not the full cost of renovation. I believe that a new school should be seriously discussed as an alternative plan.
OGS Current State and Consequences of Renovation
The school, built in 1902, currently presents several infrastructural challenges including a hodgepodge layout, serious ADA non-compliance, substandard classroom size, no A/C, inefficient energy use, and flooding susceptibility. Despite the considerable cost of the renovation, these issues may not be sufficiently addressed.
Potential Benefits of a New School
A new school, though more expensive, would ensure full efficiency of space, better energy use, full ADA compliance, modern implementation of technology for the students, climate resiliency, and a school that could last another 100 years plus.
Community’s Voice in the Decision
Although some community members express a desire to preserve the current school’s architecture, it seems the broader community has not had a formal opportunity to weigh in on whether an alternative approach might be better.
Fiscal Responsibility and Decision Making
As a BET member, I believe it’s our fiduciary responsibility to the taxpayers of the town to spend their scarce tax dollars carefully. A renovation without full alternative examination of a new build does not seem fiscally responsible.
Rebutting Unfounded Characterizations
State Representative Steve Meskers’ repeated characterization of BET Republicans needs to be addressed. The Republican-led BET fully supports responsible expenditures of operating and capital funds for Greenwich Public Schools.
Republican Leadership and Commitment to Greenwich
Under Republican leadership, Greenwich has been a great place to live, work, and raise a family. Republicans on the BET remain committed to continuing that tradition for years to come.
Harry Fisher is long-standing volunteer in the Town of Greenwich on Boards and Commissions, including as a member in leadership on the Board of Estimate and Taxation.
