Superintendent of Johnston Schools Bernard DiLullo offered an update on summer work at Thornton Elementary School during the monthly School Committee meeting on July 9.
DiLullo said that modulars – temporary classrooms built 25 years ago – are undergoing several updates, including wall repairs and the renovation of water-damaged areas. He told the Sun Rise after the meeting that work will be completed by the time teachers report on Aug. 26.
“The word ‘temporary’ was used at the time [the modulars] were purchased, with the thinking that we’d eventually have a new elementary school,” he said. “That, unfortunately, didn’t happen. Those classrooms were not made to last all this time, so we’re working to make them updated, more comfortable for staff.”
DiLullo said work at other school buildings continues as the Aug. 28 start date for students inches closer.
“The custodians and maintenance people are doing their usual phenomenal work in terms of getting the schools ready,” DiLullo told the School Committee during his superintendent’s report. “They’re moving quickly and doing a good job.”
DiLullo also commented to the Sun Rise about Mayor Joseph Polisena deciding to level-fund the school budget. The district will have a total budget of $56.8 million, with $37.5 million in town-appropriated funds, $18 million in state aid and $1.2 million in Medicare and other funds.
“We prepared a budget and adjusted our budget to meet that expectation, so we work closely with the town,” the superintendent said. “We try to work together in terms of making that all work out around the budget. So I think we’ll be OK next year.”
AZAR RETIRING
Business Manager Fred Azar kept working until the last minute.
Azar detailed a few budget transfers to the School Committee on Tuesday, including more than $70,000 for heating, ventilation and air conditioning, or HVAC, repairs at Ferri Middle School and nearly $5,000 for heating and ventilation fixes at Winsor Hill Elementary School.
Once his portion of the agenda finished and the board moved on to committee requests and acknowledgments, praise started to pour in for Azar. He is retiring after six years in his post.
“[I] want to recognize Fred tonight, this is Fred’s last meeting,” committee Chairman Bob LaFazia said. “Thanks for your years of service, you’ve done an outstanding job.”
DiLullo also thanked Azar for his time with the district, adding that he was a successful financial steward.
“I’m really happy and I thank you for the flexibility in doing what needed to be done,” Azar said. “Thank you all.”
IN OTHER BUSINESS
The School Committee approved going out to bid for the following items and services for the facilities department: air filters, commodity items, chair lift inspections and service, elevator service and inspections, floor finish, floor finish remover, fuel oil No. 2, generator service, plumbing services, uniforms, fire safety inspections testing and inspections and service and bleacher/grandstand/backboard inspections.
The committee accepted the resignation of Ferri Middle School clerk Teresa Giugliano, who is retiring. The board also accepted the resignation of Johnston High School guidance counselor Mary Vingi.
The committee approved recalling Brianna Ruggiero as a teacher aide at Winsor Hill Elementary School.
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