The $57.5 million project got underway after a series of adjustments to reduce the cost and meet the approved budget. These changes included eliminating improvements to security vestibules and fire protection systems and redesigning the HVAC system. The original project included improving HVAC systems at Lyme Consolidated School, Center School, Lyme-Old Lyme Middle School and Mile Creek Elementary School. It also included fire protection system upgrades, additional parking spots and the expansion of the Mile Creek building. After receiving the first bids for the HAVC for the three schools in August, the project cost had risen $7.7 million above the $57.5 million budget approved by referendum in 2022. Before the referendum, the district received a $9 million grant for the Mile Creek School expansion from the state Department of Administrative Services. In 2023, the three other schools received $12 million in grants for HVAC system upgrades, a state initiative spurred in response to COVID-19. Nevaiser said the district’s need to replace aging air conditioning equipment existed before the pandemic.
Construction Work Begins at Lyme-Old Lyme Schools as New Bids, Cuts Resolve Cost Overruns