Willington School Building Committee Slates Public Engagement Events

Fellow Willington Residents:

There will be a series of Public Engagement Events to present and explain the current state of progress of the School Building Committee (SBC). The schedule of these events is attached. The primary charge of the SBC is to define a single, 21st century PreK-8 school facility and to explore the what would be required to make it so.

The charge assigned to the SBC is to ultimately decide on one of these possible options:

1. No build. Upgrade and better maintain what we already have. Per state guidelines our current school facilities together comprise more than enough square footage. The core buildings are dated (c.1922 & c.1952). Several additions were built to each between 1959 and the 1980s. Interior organization and state of HVAC/Communications need to be brought into the 21st century. While this comes with a cost, any building (new or old) requires maintenance, as well as periodic upgrading.
2. Based on latest version of the Education Specifications (Ed Specs) and with careful alteration and expansion (A/E), Hall Memorial School (HMS) and its grounds could meet the towns needs. Utilities are existing and substantial dirt work would be required to provide better quality outdoor fields. Separate bus & parent drive lanes are planned. Exact construction cost can’t be determined until the construction plans are completed. The cost associated with unseen conditions in the portions to remain must be carefully managed. The current guestimate puts the cost at slightly more than a new facility. The Historic properties of the area may provide additional alternate source(s) of funding. There is currently a plan under design to spend ~$1M to improve traffic flow and replace sidewalks in the Village area along Route 32.
3. Build a new school facility on a new site. Essentially a ‘blank slate’ with respect to facility layout and site development. A Letter of Intent has been executed to purchase a 65± acre wooded parcel. Not a purchase Contract – this just keeps the property off-market until such time that the Town decides whether or not to chose this option. Will require clear-cutting 20+ acres of forest land. All utilities will have to be brought to or established on the site. Road and intersection improvements will likely be required involving local and CT DOT approvals. Total guestimated cost is slightly north of $60M, with Willington’s share likely to be near 50%.

Note that the costs associated with off-site improvements will be borne by the Town. Excess acreage (45± acres, option 3) will not be partially funded by state grant dollars. For both options 2 & 3, the exact contribution from the State will not be known until: a) The SBC determines which option is to be chosen; b) the project is approved by a Town Referendum; c) the grant application is submitted to the State, and; d) the grant is approved. All costs associated with the process of bringing this to referendum will be borne by Willington taxpayers.

What should be of primary concern to all Willington taxpayers is that YOUR input is desired to help guide the SBC to an acceptable decision. Willington taxpayers will NOT get to decide which option is the best for our town – that is part of the SBC’s charge.

You should NOT wait until you see the ballot to learn which option you’ll approving at the referendum.

Please review the attached schedule and find a time & date that works for you.

BTW you can also email the SBC with any comments, questions or concerns you may have at SBC@Willingtonct.org.

Ralph Tulis

Willington CT