June 21, 2013
MANCHESTER – The Odyssey Community School will see increased security and new library shelves thanks to some state bonding that was approved Friday at the urging of Rep. Jason Rojas and Sen. Steve Cassano.
"This bonding does a couple of things," Sen. Cassano said. "First, they have a library with no shelves, so there's money in the bond package for shelves. Perhaps more importantly, the main entrance to this school is completely concealed from the main office, and that has got to change for safety reasons. This bonding will help move the main office and install some bullet-resistant glass."
"The Odyssey School has become an important institution in Manchester," said Rep. Rojas. "They continue to grow as a school community and we wanted to make sure we accorded them the appropriate support that they needed to complete their school project."
The State Bond Commission approved $350,000 for the 324-student school located at 579 West Middle Turnpike in the former Allied Printing building.
This past spring, Odyssey Executive Director Elaine Stancliffe met with Sen. Cassano and Rep. Rojas to seek their help in securing state funding for some ongoing projects at the charter school. Stancliffe noted that it would cost $270,000 to move the school office to the front entrance in order to provide a direct line of vision, as well as to construct a health suite to treat multiple students. Another $28,000 was needed to install bullet-resistant glass in seven exterior doors and in the wall that separates the school office from the front doors and lobby.