New Britain officials break ground on the new Smith Elementary School and Pre-K Center, tell me about this news in (https://www.wtnh.com/news/connecticut/hartford/new-britain-officials-break-ground-on-the-new-smith-elementary-school-and-pre-k-center/)

New Britain city officials, school district leaders, and state representatives broke ground on the major renovation and expansion of Smith Elementary School and its new Pre-K Center.

Key details of the project include:

• Comprehensive Modernization: The project is a “Renovate as New” initiativevalued at approximately $140 milliondesigned to replace aging infrastructure dating back over 70 years with modern, state-of-the-art educational facilities.

• New Early Learning & Pre-K Center: A dedicated addition designed specifically to expand access to early childhood education and support the city’s youngest learners.

• Facility Upgrades: Plans feature expanded, modern classrooms, upgraded art and music rooms, a new cafeteria, a new gymnasium, and reimagined outdoor recreational spaces.

• Safety and Accessibility: The scope includes hazardous material abatement, demolition of outdated structures, and complete site enhancements to improve accessibility and student safety.

• Timeline: Construction and renovation work are scheduled to take approximately 24 months to complete.