That the leaking roof and the aging kindergarten playground need to be replaced at the Springs School is not new news, but the district's architects on Monday offered updated cost estimates for the two projects, which are slated to start at the end of June.
The 22,000 square feet of roofing over the middle school wing has outlived a 20-year warranty, and its leaks are "persistent and problematic," said Jim Weydig of BBS Architects. Originally, when the district estimated the cost of replacing the roof a few years ago, the price tag was about $890,000. Mr. Weydig said during Monday's school board meeting, however, that a more accurate projection, taking into account inflation and other costs out of the school's control, is now $1,081,568.
Normally, schools would submit plans to the New York State Education Department for review, which would make them eligible for state reimbursements on capital projects. But BBS Architects is recommending that Springs skip that step and invoke certain state rules that would allow it to move more quickly. "This is an emergency," Mr. Weydig said.
His colleague John Longo updated plans for a new playground for some of the district's youngest students. Pea gravel would be removed but repurposed in drainage projects elsewhere on the Springs campus, he said, and the playground surface would instead be engineered wood fiber. Among the equipment planned are eight swings, including one that is handicapped-accessible, and a new "clubhouse" that can serve as a quieter hangout spot for children who need such an environment.
There will also be new fences, more greenery, and a color scheme consistent with the new playground for older children that is also being installed as part of the district's ongoing $23 million renovation and expansion project. The total price tag would be around $323,000, Mr. Longo said, which is less than the original projection of $370,000.
By way of comparison, the Amagansett School recently spent approximately $350,000 on two new playgrounds, one for prekindergarten and kindergarten children and another for the older students.
"We feel like we're in a good place," Mr. Longo said.