Explorations school expansion on schedule

WINSTED — Despite the harsh winter weather this season, Explorations Charter School’s expansion project continues to move forward on schedule, with the school recently laying the foundation for new 4,800-square-foot addition.

The independent public high school at 71 Spencer St. broke ground on the project in early October.

“The cement work is done and the steel is up,� Explorations Charter School Principal Gail Srebnik told The Journal Tuesday.

The project also includes renovations to portions of the existing building.

“And so we’ve had to be creative with the use of the existing space we still have,� Sbrebnik said.

The project’s construction is being funded through a $940,000 state facilities grant, and is headed by the Harwinton-based contractor PAC Group LLC.

The secondary school — which serves a total of 85 students in grades 10 to 12 — moved to Spencer Street from its former Main Street home in 2005.

The charter school first opened its doors to students 13 years ago.

Although Explorations did renovate the original Spencer Street building before relocating there, new programming within the school’s curriculum prompted the expansion.

Srebnik said work on the project is expected to be completed by the spring.

“They are moving along … and I think we are still on schedule,� she said.

In the meantime, the school’s parking lot has been closed during the construction.

Staff members and visitors now must park next door, in the lot that previously served the thrift shop that had been located in the Winsted Health Center.

Students who drive to school are required to find on-street parking somewhere nearby.

Although the temporary loss of the parking lot and the actual construction itself has been a mild inconvenience for many students,
parents and staff members,
Srebnik said their understanding and patience — as well as general support for the project — has remained strong.

“When this is completed, it will be a really nice thing,� she said.

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