Darien Superintendent Gives Update On School Facilities

DARIEN, CT — Darien Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Eric Byrne issued a letter to the school community ahead of the new school year, which officially starts on Aug. 26.

In his letter, Byrne gave an update on school facility projects that have been ongoing throughout the recent months.

"While many of us were off on summer break, our custodial and facilities staff worked hard in hot, humid conditions making building improvements and cleaning our schools in preparation for opening day," Byrne wrote in his letter, which is dated Aug. 14.

"Please join me in thanking them for all of their efforts this summer. Additionally, there is a small but mighty group of twelve month employees who manage everything from purchasing materials, registering students and installing technology. Please join me in recognizing the hard work of this dedicated group as well."

The additions and renovations at Hindley, Holmes and Royle are "nearly complete,"according to Byrne, who said there still may be "punch-list and smaller items to address." But the vast majority of the work was expected to be completed this week.

The parking lots at Darien's elementary schools were set for milling and paving, and the schools also recently received new hand-held radios as part of the district's safety and security upgrades.

Over at Middlesex Middle School, two chimney caps originally from the 1940s were repaired in July.

"This project secured the brick and caps from further deterioration. Additionally, we continue to meet with building leadership to discuss and refine the Educational Specifications for a potential renovation project. An update to the Board of Education is planned for this fall," Byrne wrote.

For Darien High School, aside from regular summer cleaning, parking areas and sidewalks have been a focus while students were away.

Center oval sidewalks were recently milled and paved, and the center oval itself has been milled, Byrne noted.

Notably at DHS, all hallway light fixtures have been fully converted to energy-efficient LED technology.

Byrne said the district will be moving from School Messenger to Parent Square for mass communications with families.

"For the time being, in addition to using Parent Square, we are also sending messages via Aspen to ensure that everyone has the critical information needed," Byrne wrote. "We will continue this practice for the first few weeks of school as families register with Parent Square. Thank you in advance for your patience and understanding."

View Byrne's full welcome back letter to the school community here.