Ten New Britain Schools Need Major Renovations in 10 Years – A New Report Suggests

On the January 8th 2024 Consolidated School District of New Britain Board meeting, the board heard a report titled “Facility Condition Assessment & Energy Audit” prepared by Bureau Veritas. In the current buildings’ conditions only Holmes Elementary was not classified as “well maintained” but as in “functional conditions.” Holmes Elementary School was original constructed in 1955 with additions and renovations in 1997. In May 2023, the City’s Common Council approved funding $70 Million for a major renovation of Holmes. In 2021 under the leadership of representative Bobby Sanchez (D), the State of Connecticut funded this renovations at 95% – a rate beyond the usual 80% state funding of school renovations.

However, according to Bureau Veritas, in 3-5 years two schools – Diloreto School and Norhtend Elementary – would need a major renovation as well. Eight additional school buildings would need major renovations in 10 years including: Pulaski Middle school, Jefferson School, Vance Village Elementary, Slade Middle School, New Britain High School, Pope John Paul School, and Lincoln Elementary. In addition to Holmes, the report identified Diloreto and Smith Schools as most urgent to be renovated; while Pulaski and Slade Middle Schools would be the most expensive facilities to be renovated.

Finally, the report identified Vance Elementary and Brookside as overcrowded with attendance beyond capacity (110%), and Northend School was at near capacity enrollment (95%).