Construction delays plague school project in Sutton, Mass.

A $57.6 million middle/high school construction project in Sutton, Mass., is roiled by turmoil as town officials determine whether to terminate the agreement with the general contractor. The Worcester Telegram & Gazette says town officials are contending that the contractor's failure to pay its subcontractors for work and misleading claims by the firm have led to substantial delays. Sutton students had to start the school year in makeshift quarters rented from a church because the new middle school, which was supposed to temporarily house Grades 9 through 12, was several months behind schedule. The high school students now are in the new building, and middle school students are in portable classrooms.