Million-dollar question
Toolbox
By Josh O'Gorman STAFF WRITER - Published: October 29, 2009
LUDLOW - A presentation on the proposed work to the Ludlow Armory opened up questions about the division of expenses between the town and the schools, and if now is the right time to ask residents to approve a million-dollar bond.
During a meeting Monday night between the Select Board and the boards for the Ludlow Elementary and U-39 school districts, Municipal Manager Frank Heald discussed the proposed scope of work for the armory and the adjacent tank barn building.
The proposal, which came from ideas generated during a pair of public meetings earlier this year, includes $780,000 in work for the armory and $335,000 for the tank barn, and Monday's meeting addressed how the schools would use the armory.
Much of the discussion centered upon lunch, which is served on a stage in the gymnasium, often while a pair of classes also share the space for physical education, said Superintendent Judy Pullinen.
Pullinen discussed the proposed cafeteria in the armory, which would hold 120 pupils, compared to the 80 pupils that can occupy the stage, and said the increased space could allow the schools to change from four 25-minute lunch periods to three 30-minute periods.
One audience member said her child has to eat lunch standing up because of the lack of seating and said she supported the expanded cafeteria.
Also addressed was the need for a kitchen in the armory, which has an estimated cost of $75,000. Jennifer Dusenbery, regional service director for the Abby Group, which provides meals for the schools, said it is important to prepare and serve food in the same space and noted much of the equipment — such as the freezer and walk-in cooler — are inefficient and will soon need major service.
Also central to the lunch discussion was how the pupils would travel back and forth between the schools and the armory. Pullinen said there have been some discussions about building an awning to keep the rain and snow off the children, while Heald said it would be a good idea to hire a landscape architect with an understanding of traffic patterns.
Ludlow Elementary School Board Chairwoman Susan Barton asked how much money the schools would have to pay to use the armory, and while she didn't get a straight answer during the meeting, afterwards, Heald said the schools would only pay a "nominal fee" for its use of the armory.
Barton also asked if now is the right time to ask voters to approve another expense - albeit one that will add 1 cent to the tax rate for the bond and for operational expenses.
"In this economic climate, is this really the time to do this now?" Barton asked, concerned the increased taxes would drive families from the community.
josh.ogorman@rutlandherald.com
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