A $224 million funding boost is headed to the Southbury and Middlebury communities in Connecticut, seeking to support the construction of two new elementary schools in the region.
Southbury and Middlebury voters approved Region 15 School District’s $224 million bond proposal on May 6 to replace two elementary schools, giving the district the go-ahead to move forward with the projects despite opposition from Middlebury voters.
The bond will fund replacement of Gainfield and Pomperaug elementary schools, both located in Southbury. The district’s two oldest school buildings date back to 1941 and 1967, respectively. District officials say replacing the schools will help address capacity needs across the district, not just at the two campuses slated for construction.
Officials considered renovation as an alternative to new construction, but district materials said the lower upfront cost would likely be offset by added expenses tied to phased construction, temporary instructional space, code compliance upgrades and delays associated with working within aging structures. The district also cited available state reimbursement incentives tied to new construction as a major factor in the decision.
The new schools will be built on the existing sites and are designed to serve about 550 prekindergarten through fifth-grade students each. Students will continue attending classes in the current buildings while construction is underway. District officials hope construction can begin in 2028, with completion targeted for 2030 pending state funding approvals.
District materials say the new facilities will include updated safety and technology systems, improved accessibility, better traffic flow and modern learning spaces designed to support current educational needs.
Photo by Ali Ahmad DANESH from Pexels
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