Berlin High renovations continue progress

Saturday, March 29, 2014 2:05 AM EDT

By JOHNNY J. BURNHAM STAFF WRITER

BERLIN The transformation of Berlin High School continues.

Public Works Director Art Simonian says several ongoing projects will be completed this summer. Those include a new kitchen and cafeteria and the new home of the English, art, business and special education departments.

The amphitheater will be transformed into a TV studio. What was once the boys locker room will be converted to social studies, health and early childhood training classrooms. The former UpBeat room will be made into the schools heating and air conditioning room.

Completion of all those projects is anticipated in July, in plenty of time for the next school year.

Roofing replacement will ramp up as the weather permits, Simonian said. It has been somewhat slowed due to the cold weather.

The towns furniture, fixture and equipment proposal with an expected price tag of $4.1 million will be sent for state approval next week, he said.

The whole high school renovation project will cost more than $84 million. That includes construction of a new six-classroom technology building and complete renovation of the existing school. A $69.95 million budget was approved in 2011.

The town was able to make up the difference as, thanks largely to state Rep. Joe Aresimowicz, D-Berlin, it secured the necessary funds from the state last summer. The project could have been halted if the money had not been available.

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Berlin High renovations continue progress