Simsbury School Project Gets $530K More From State: State Rep.

SIMSBURY, CT — A multi-million-dollar school renovation in Simsbury received a fiscal boost recently, according to an announcement by state officials Monday.

The $39 million project (funded via two separate referendums) will get a $530,000 revenue addition from the state, state Rep. Melissa Osborne, D-Simsbury, said Monday.

She said the additional state funding is for renovations at Latimer Lane Elementary School in the Weatogue section of Simsbury.

Funding for the project was approved in 2021 and 2023 and, when complete, it will include a new addition, art room, library/media center, renovated classrooms, new spaces for the music department, among other improvements.

“I cannot begin to tell you how thrilled I am to bring this funding home,” said Osborne in a statement.

“Simsbury has long been a community of educational excellence, and we know that investing in education is investing in our future.

"This additional funding from the state will soften the impact of increased costs that all residents are feeling in these inflationary times while ensuring that Latimer Lane Elementary will continue to be a nurturing environment where students can thrive," Osborne continued.

"Students will grow in a modern and dynamic learning environment that fosters creativity, collaboration, and academic excellence. This is a testament to our commitment to providing the best possible educational experience for our children.”

Osborne said she secured the additional $530,000 in funds during the 2024 legislative session by obtaining an increased rate of reimbursement from the state for the project.

She is a member of the appropriations, judiciary, and general law committees and represents the 16th District, which is comprised of just Simsbury.

Voters initially said "yes" to a $36.7 million appropriation for a building expansion project at Latimer Lane Elementary School in 2021.

But then the post-pandemic, supply chain/inflation bugaboo bit the town, resulting in the town going back to voters for another $2.26 million in 2023.

Work on the project is ongoing after beginning in December 2022.

For more information on the Latimer Lane Elementary School building project, click on this link.