Connecticut School Construction Seminar Focusing on New Safety and Security Standards

On March 12, 2014, Jeff Donofrio, along with experts in school design and school security, presented a half-day complimentary program to 50 local officials at the Trumbull Marriott. The program, which was sponsored by Ciulla & Donofrio, introduced representatives from municipalities in Fairfield County and New Haven County to the school security and safety initiatives created by Public Act 13-3.

First, attendees learned about the school safety and security design standards developed by the School Safety Infrastructure Council. The design standards, which were published in early January, must be complied with on any project for which a grant is applied for (pursuant to Connecticut’s school construction grant program) on or after July 1, 2014, as well as for any project for which a grant is sought from Connecticut’s School Safety Infrastructure Competitive Grant Program.

The second school security imitative arising out of P.A. 13-3 is the requirement that Connecticut’s Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection, in consultation with the SDE, develop school security and safety plan standards. Attendees learned about the current plan requirements, as well as the direction in which Connecticut is heading with regard to assessing safety and security in its school facilities.

Attendees also were provided with information concerning other recent developments affecting school construction projects in Connecticut, including new cost estimating requirements.

For more information, contact Jeff Donofrio at 203-239-9828 or via email at JDonofrio@cd-LLP.com.