School superintendent Mark Kenney responds to Woodstock’s concerns at the December 16 school board meeting

BETHEL — During the Dec. 16 School Board meeting, Superintendent Mark Kenney discussed concerns brought up by the town of Woodstock with regard to Woodstock Elementary School. These concerns were regarding rot and possible risks to the structural integrity of the elementary school.

The issues were brought up by the Woodstock select board. One problem included possible leaks in the roof. These worries were addressed by Kenney, who reassured the school board that “There are no leaks reported right now in the roofing.”

He also reassured those present that, “We are having annual roof inspections.” While Woodstock  expressed concern that the town was not being allocated enough resources to meet its needs, Kenney promised that “Woodstock is on the list and we feel getting a fair share of what is needed.”

Kenney explained that there were concerns regarding the use of “building maintenance as a means to close the building.” He refuted these by explaining that, “It’s way more expensive to lose a building than to take care of it.” Moving forward in the future, he said, there are plans in place to replace baseboards and continue the upkeep of the buildings.

“We’re looking to apply for some grand money so it doesn’t fall on the locals,” he said. “We want to make sure that it [the school] stays in good shape and services the students and staff there appropriately.”

He finished by stating that he “wanted to make sure that everyone understands that we are not neglecting our responsibility and obligations toward buildings and all of the annual maintenance that has happened for the last few years continues to happen.”

Moving forward, plans remain in place to continue maintenance work on Woodstock and Telstar. Rotting carpets in CPS and Woodstock have already been replaced, and Kenney hopes to continue with those projects and keep the schools open and in good shape.