Daniel Hand High School Sound System Draws Concern

By Jack Kramer, Correspondent

MADISON, CT – The aging and what many believe is the substandard sound system utilized by Daniel Hand High School arts, music and theater students was the subject of a discussion at the most recent Board of Selectmen meeting.

The system, according to Director of Facilities for Towns and Schools William McMinn was installed nearly 15 years ago and in addition to school organizations is also used by many groups in town when staging events.

The conversation started because it is on the town’s listed of possible capital improvement projects.

Understanding that money is tight, First Selectman Tom Banisch asked if a money for a new system would be funding for a “Cadillac when all that is needed is a Toyota.”

McGinn answered that just the age of the system itself means it should be looked at for an upgrade.

And Selectman Scott Murphy, who said he was the only selectman who had school-age children in the system, described the sound system as “substandard” and in need of an upgrade.

School Superintendent Tom Scarice said that the system has been “band-aided” in recent years to keep it running and that he believes a new system would be an enhancement.

Officials all agreed to that the discussion of an upgrade should continue at future meetings concerning capital improvement priorities.