Fairfield RTM Unanimously Authorizes Funding for new Dwight Elementary School

The following news release is from Elizabeth Zezima, Democratic Caucus Leader of the Fairfield Representative Town Meeting:

Fairfield RTM Unanimously Authorizes Funding for new Dwight Elementary School

New construction would also include Early Childhood Education Center

FAIRFIELD, CT - During its October monthly meeting, the Fairfield Representative Town Meeting (RTM) unanimously voted to authorize funding for the construction of a new Timothy Dwight Elementary School and Early Childhood Center. After approving a feasibility study that detailed several scenarios for the future of the elementary school, including renovation, and the creation of the building committee, the bond authorization allows for the process of building a new school to move forward.

"For too long we have delayed and put off critical investments in our town services, the most egregious of them being our schools–which are the economic backbone of our community,” said RTM Majority Leader Liz Zezima. “We are proud to finally advance a long overdue project that not only assures our students can learn in a clean and safe environment, with all the modern amenities of other schools, but to address the growing demand for Early Childhood Center educational curriculum. All our young students deserve access to this program, and in order to deliver these services they need to be offered at convenient geographical locations throughout town. With this rebuild of Timothy Dwight school we can do just that. This is a move forward in meeting the needs of our school community, which gives our students what they need to succeed, but also to preserve housing values and makes us an attractive place to live, work and raise a family."

Originally built in 1962, Dwight School has long been on the priority list of schools to rebuild or renovate, with parents, teachers and community leaders long advocating for a new school. After the Board of Education voted to construct a new school over renovation as the best option, the measure received approval from the Board of Finance. The construction of a new school will address increasing student enrollment, including at the Early Childhood Centers (ECC), which are currently spread across classrooms at Fairfield Warde High School and Stratfield and Holland Hill elementary schools. Updates were also required to meet modern fire, ADA, and health regulations.

"We are proud to have supported the rebuild of Timothy Dwight school–an initiative years in the making,” said RTM Moderator Margaret Horton. “Our students will be well served by this project. Not only to be able to learn in a clean and safe environment but to have access to much needed ECC classrooms in this part of town. So that no student is enduring long commutes in order to get the early childhood education they need and deserve. This was the fiscally responsible choice to keep costs in check and to make appropriate investment in the most important service we offer. One that preserves housing values and makes us an attractive place to live, work and raise a family."

Town officials and the Dwight Elementary School building committee will now begin the work of submitting the plan to state officials for an eventual reimbursement.