Ground has been broken for an addition to the former Mill Ridge Intermediate School in Danbury, which will become the STEM Middle School.  Construction started this week on the more than $18-million project.  Mayor Mark Boughton says he hopes the completed facility will open in time for the 2014 school year. 

It's one of many school renovation projects happening in the city.

Mill Ridge was closed as part of a school consolidation effort as age populations shifted.  A cafeteria and science lab are being added to the existing facility.  Renovations will take place to the main entrance.  The roof will also be repaired. 

Currently the some 300 students in the Science, Technology, Engineering and Math Academy are located in Rogers Park Middle School.  When construction is done the program is expected to be able to house 600 students.