NORWICH – Throughout the summer, teachers and school administrators have their work cut out for them in preparation for the upcoming school year.

With September approaching quickly, Norwich City School Superintendent Gerard O’Sullivan says getting everything in order throughout the four buildings has been a challenge. To add to the work load this summer, the $35.3 million building project was underway. Playgrounds at both Stanford Gibson and Perry Browne schools were torn out and are scheduled to have all new equipment in coming weeks. The track and football field are currently under construction, but O’Sullivan says he is remaining hopeful that some games will take place there this school year.

O’Sullivan explains much of the work scheduled to be completed throughout the first phase of the building project involves infrastructure. Once complete, the buildings will be completely wireless, the locker rooms will be remodeled and some roofing will be finished. The fleet of 23 buses have arrived, and continuing with the technology integration program, eight teachers have been trained on eight additional “smart boards” recently purchased.

In addition to the ongoing construction efforts, there were 25 new staff members on board in the district office this week for three days of orientation and in-service. Also, Perry Browne will have a new principal on board this September with the addition of Heather Collier, and the district added Steve Griffin as well to serve as the new athletics director. “They are both doing a phenomenal job,” O’Sullivan said.