Middletown high school to get face lift
After years of delays, $78M in renovations finally under way
MIDDLETOWN — Nearly six years after residents approved a $78.4 million referendum for secondary school improvements and renovations, construction on Middletown High School North is finally under way.
School representatives took part in a groundbreaking ceremony last week to celebrate initial improvement work beginning at the school
Speaking at the event, school Principal Barry Goldstein, recounted about repeated times school construction was slated to happen but never did.
Goldstein relayed to the crowd his excitement about the school’s impending changes.
He credited those who helped pass the referendum and those who made the project possible.
"North came out in droves to make sure this budget [was] passed, so we can get started on the renovations," he said.
The school will add lighting, as well as new classrooms, Goldstein said.
To make students comfortable, he said, heat and air conditioning will also be added, as well as 12 high-tech science labs.
Goldstein told the crowd that these are all necessary to better the students’ education.
Phase one of the plan will start with renovations to the old math and language wing. This phase will end in March 2003 when phase two will begin.
The building improvements are expected to be completed from end to end in three years.
Jack DeTalvo, superintendent of schools, said the project was delayed because of the district’s need to correct construction plans and find the right prices for the work needed.
"Every part of High School North will be touched by the new construction," DeTalvo said. "Here we’re going to renovate every part of the building."
The district will try and let as many students as possible take advantage of the changes, before graduating, he said.
"As each part of the building is done, you will get to use the building," he told students.
Board of Education President Robert Bucco Jr. also reflected on the event’s meaning.
"This is significant for me because Î was here from the very beginning when the school construction started," he said. "It’s a long time coming, and the students deserve this."
In addition to the district officials, students from Thorne and Bayshore middle schools and Middletown North were first to place shovels into the ground.
This kicked off what the school’s front marquee read as "A New North, A New Beginning."
"I think I speak for everyone when I say that we’re really relieved that this finally started," said Nicola Catapano, a High School North ninth-grader. "I wish the school a lot of luck, and I know it’s going to look great."
Other students will only be in school long enough to witness partial change.
"As an incoming senior, my emotions are mixed," said Anthony Capalongo, the school’s current junior class president, "On one hand, I’m relieved and excited, but another part of me can’t help but be a little disappointed because my class won’t be around (for the renovations)."
Incoming students also expressed their optimism. "Middletown North is the proving ground for the future," said Nicole Mahoney of Bayshore Middle. "This symbolizes the removal of the barriers for success."