Will Norwich be done in time?

NORWICH – According to the superintendent, Norwich City School’s $37 million dollar construction project is approximately $2 million under budget. But will it be done in time for the first day of school? The owner of Greenwood Corporation, who attended the district’s board of education meeting earlier this week to provide an update, says yes.

“We’re dragging people to the finish line,” said Roy Herford, owner of the construction management firm hired by the district to run the project. “I’m very confident that we’ll meet the completion date.” Herford.

“I’ve been over there,” said school board president Bob Patterson. “Are you sure?” If you walked through the High School and Middle School halls, you might share Patterson’s concern. But Herford assures that much of what is left to be done is finishing touches.

“They are working on the little bits and pieces that will make it all come together over the next couple of weeks,” said Herford.

According to Greenwood’s owner, the Middle School will be complete with the exception of the district offices. “All spaces are being turned over in the next couple of days,” reported Herford. Then teachers and school staff members will get started setting up their classrooms.

There are some spaces at the High School that will not be 100 percent ready by Sept. 4. One area of concern has been the gymnasium, which is actually further along than had been anticipated. The maple flooring will be in and coated by the time school starts, but not the bleachers. According to Herford, the remaining work will be done on second shift in accordance with State Education Department requirements so that no contractors will be in the building during the school day.