Committee OK's Newington School Project Funding

NEWINGTON, CT — A major school renovation project already approved by local voters received a significant funding boost, according to local lawmakers Thursday.

State Rep. Kate Farrar, D-West Hartford; state Rep. Gary Turco, D-Newington; and state Senator Matt Lesser, D-Middletown, announced the funds.

The appropriation was the allocation of $6,277,283 for the renovation of John Wallace Middle School in Newington, approved by the School Construction Project Priority List Review Committee on Wednesday.

The funding is to demolish and rebuild the interior spaces of three wings in a new configuration of John Wallace Middle School.

New security doors will be installed to improve safety within the school premises. The project will also include upgrades to the HVAC and electrical systems.

"This investment is set to transform the educational experience for our Newington students and teachers," said Farrar. "I am proud to support this project to modernize our school facilities and ensure that all of Newington students have access to a safe and conducive learning environment."

“Wednesday’s vote by the School Construction Project Priority List Review Committee was an important step in the process for the John Wallace Middle School renovation,” said Turco. “This project is essential to our community, and I am committed to ensuring it reaches the finish line with votes in the House and Senate and a signature from Governor Lamont by the time the 2024 legislative session ends in May.”

“I am so pleased that we have secured support for a 58.57% reimbursement rate for the school construction project at John Wallace Middle School, saving taxpayers over $6 million," said Sen. Lesser. "This grant will help offset the cost of much-needed repairs to improve security, technology, and classroom size."

The John Wallace Middle School renovation project was approved by Newington voters in a referendum vote in the November 2023 election.

This approval by the School Construction Project Priority List Review Committee is the next step in the process of securing state funding for the renovation.

The project now awaits a vote in the House, and Senate, and a final signature by the governor during the 2024 legislative session which ends May 8.