Madison To Save $6 Million On Massive School Construction Project

MADISON, CT – Town of Madison is to receive increased state reimbursement for the new school construction, saving taxpayers about $6 million.

Madison Public Schools and the Town of Madison released a joint statement saying the state reimbursement rate for construction costs related to the new elementary school building project has increased substantially.

“Madison Public Schools is incredibly grateful for the support of John-Michael Parker and Christine Cohen on our efforts to achieve a higher reimbursement rate,” Dr. Craig Cooke said, superintendent of schools. “Our staff worked hard in partnership with Colliers International on this proposal to save taxpayers of Madison significant money.”

The project reimbursement rate has increased 10 percent, 18.21 percent to 28.21 percent, equal to about $6 million in additional construction costs that will be returned to taxpayers.

First Selectwoman Peggy Lyons said the new reimbursement rate is positive news at this critical point in the project.

"We are excited the Town will be receiving these additional grant funds from the state to pay for the construction of the new school, saving Madison taxpayers millions of dollars in bonding costs,” she said.

The new school is currently in the design development phase. The PreK-5 building will be located on Mungertown Road, and the project is expected to break ground in the spring of 2024.

Madison Board of Education Chair Seth Klaskin said the reimbursement rate adjustment is excellent news for the project and the town.

“My fellow board members and I were thrilled to learn about this additional reimbursement, which boosts the taxpayer,” he said. “It represents millions of unexpected additional dollars that will go straight to the town to help dampen the tax impact of the bonding for the Schools Renewal Project.”

The new building project had precisely qualified for the new construction reimbursement rate, which is lower than the reimbursement rate granted to the projects considered renovations.

With the help of State Representative John-Michael Parker (D-101), MPS found out about a lesser-known clause within the state statute allowing new construction projects to receive a higher reimbursement rate if the town could demonstrate that constructing new is less than renovating, extending, or a significant altering of an existing school.

"I'm thrilled to have helped Madison Public Schools secure this substantially expanded reimbursement rate for our elementary school project,” Parker said. This is a big win for Madison. With recent funding for the Academy Community Center and the American Legion, it showcases the growing investment in our community by the State of Connecticut."

The new school construction is part of the Madison Schools Renewal Plan, a comprehensive plan to address the District’s aging school facilities.

The plan was approved at a referendum in 2022 and has three key components: construct a new PreK-5 elementary school, transform Brown Intermediate School into a K-5 school, and complete significant renovations at Polson Middle School, including new Air Quality Systems/HVAC.

All new and renovated buildings will open their doors for fall of 2025.