Bob Duff

The Current Norwalk High School: A 1971 Learning Environment

Opened in 1971, NHS modeled after a prison 

 Here are some of the issues students, teachers and administrators have to deal with everyday. 

Roof  

• Perpetual leaks on all four levels. 

Intercom system  

• Decades old and needs constant repair  
• Doesn’t work consistently throughout the school  
• Gymnasium does not have access to intercom 
• Lack of reliable intercom system is a safety issue during emergencies 

 

Security is not updated

• Classroom doors don’t automatically lock 
• Eight cafeteria doors cannot be manually or automatic locked during a security breach 
• Too many unsecured doors for unauthorized entry and exit 
• 21st century school have double locking doors at entrance – also known as a “man trap”

 

HVAC unit 

• Undersized resulting in cold stairwells and hot hallways 
• Some classrooms are hot, some are cold 
• Perpetuates mold because of inadequate system 

Courtyards  

• Not ADA-compliant and inaccessible to people with mobility issues  
• Space cannot be opened for any student by law.  
• Compliance would cost more than three million dollars

 

Bathrooms are outdated and repairs are expensive.  

• Water pipes are encased in the concrete and not accessible   
• Toilets and urinals are in constant need of repair  
• All bathroom faucets are older models that don’t conserve water 

Library 

• Completely antiquated  
• Not usable as multi-use space  
• No quiet rooms  
• No conference spaces  
• No distinct areas for classes  
• No maker space 
• 2nd floor library not ADA accessible  
• Inconsistent wi-fi because of concrete 
• Most elementary schools have better libraries 

 

Classrooms 

• Not flexible space 
• Only have two outlets, one in the front and another in the rear, which is incompatible with current needs   

Cafeteria – 400 students at a time for lunch 

• Major security risk area with windows on the ground floor 
• Eight cafeteria doors cannot be manually or automatic locked during a security breach 
• Configuration at food purchasing areas too small  
• Students spend half their lunch trying to get food 
• Far away from today’s high school lunch standards 
• Visually unappealing area 

 

Wi-Fi  

• Consistently unreliable 
• Internet fails daily in certain parts of the building 
• Will never improve because of concrete 
• Costs three times as much as other schools to make IT improvements  

Award Winning Music Program  

Auditorium  

• Sound and lighting systems in auditorium are older models 
• District has to hire technicians and rent additional sound and lighting equipment for shows  
• 2nd floor auditorium is not ADA compliant 
• Lighting booth is not ADA compliant  
• Sound study was done and improvements are cost prohibitive  
• Stage not ADA compliant for performers  
• Wires are exposed and all over because of concrete structure and antiquated design  

Choir Room on the second floor. 

• Only access is stairs  Not ADA compliant 
• Bathroom in the choral area is original and not ADA compliant  
• Elevator is not possible because of concrete building structure 
• Band room has perpetual roof leak and is in poor condition 
• No Black Box Theater 

Lack of space and storage for theater and arts programs  

• Trailers outside are used for  
• Storage trailers in the parking lot 
• Trailer next to the music wing  

 

Elevator  

• Student elevator is not ADA compliant  
• Cannot be replaced because of concrete structure  
• (Freight elevator was replaced but should not be used for student transport)  

 

Gym  

• Mold and termite damage for over a decade  
• ADA seating half done because of budget limitations  
• Floor needs to be replaced, but cannot because of hazardous materials 
• Ceiling is chipping and needs repair and repainting  
• Poor ventilation system   
• Only one gym and it’s in use until 10 pm. Color guard, cheerleading, sports competing for time to practice  

Pool 

• Poor air quality 
• Seating is not ADA accessible  
• Showers are not accessible for mobility impaired 
• Mold and chipping walls 
• Pool is not in compliance, thus the red paint around the boundary  

Hallways   

• Visually unappealing with exposed cinder blocks 
• PCB wood was removed for health reasons 

Options: 

• Status Quo – School and educational environment continue to deteriorate  
• Renovate as new – Cost prohibitive because of concrete structure  

Build new state of the art Norwalk High School at 80% state reimbursement (rather than usual 32.5% reimbursement.)  

• 50% reimbursement for new pool (natatorium)  
• State of CT has not reimbursed for a natatorium in at least ten years.  

• Exceptional learning environment, best high school in the state and community pride