Town and school officials turn over first shovel on the new Staples project. WestportNow.com photo
Town officials dipped their shovels into the grass under a pear tree outside the main entrance of Staples High School today and the official renovation and expansion of the school finally got underway.
֓It is the jewel in the crown, said Dan Kail, chair of the Staples subcommittee of the townԒs School Building Committee.
First Selectwoman Diane Goss Farrell, Superintendent of Schools Elliott Landon, Sandra Urist, chair of the Board of Education, and Staples Principal John Brady were among town and school officials on hand for the ceremony.
Landon drew a laugh from the crowd when he began his remarks by saying, I particularly want to thank the Board of Education for giving me the opportunity to be here when this project is completed.Ӕ
The board recently renewed Landons contract despite calls from some unhappy residents that his contract not be extended.
The first phase of the $74 million project is expected to be completed in 2005. Students will continue to go to classes as the construction takes place around them.
