We ran a story over the weekend about the possible fate of J.M. Wright Technical School in Stamford, which was shuttered for the current and next school year in order to save what the Governor’s budget office estimated to be about $5 million annually.
But since the stated intention of the Connecticut Department of Education is to re-open Wright Tech at some point with an overhauled curriculum and mission, the state is paying an estimated $45,000 per year just to maintain the vacated building and prevent the aging structure from falling into further disrepair.
Another interesting fact: About four years ago, when the Department of Education was moving in the completely opposite direction and planning a renovation of Wright Tech, officials hired a Middletown-based architect – Bianco, Giolitto and Weston – to begin design work.
According to the Department of Education, $1,864,884 was spent on architectural fees before the decision was made to delay the renovation and close the school.
Just keep the above in mind whenever state lawmakers and officials talk about being responsible with taxpayer dollars…
