To the editor:
There have been public reports that the Woodbury School needs extensive repairs in excess of $600,000 and this is just not accurate.
The architectural plans that were submitted to the district were just one option for the school, not a requirement in any way. After diligent research I have learned that the fire escape does need to be assessed by a structural engineer and this is being pursued. It may not need any modification. If it did need to be replaced the cost would be less than $50,000 and this could be covered by the Building Reserve Fund, not through additional taxpayer dollars.
The elevator has been updated and is functional with a current operating certificate. The playground has a new tube slide and replenished wood chips and it is also fully functional.
A plan for remediation of the water system is in place and engineering work has been submitted to the state. The corrective action would be paid for by a forgivable loan of $30,000 at no cost to the district. These are all manageable and cost effective measures that are not at all extraordinary in any building. The Woodbury School has been on the National Register of Historic Places since 1993 and is a building we can all be proud of.
Lisa Flood
Woodbury
