State Ups The Ante For Willington School Project Reimbursement

WILLINGTON – State Rep. Tammy Nuccio (R-53rd District) Wednesday announced what she termed a "major funding win for the town of Willington" in the efforts to construct a new school complex.

Her declaration came following the passage of HB 7288, a bonding bill that
raises the state reimbursement rate for the town's school construction project to more than
79 percent.

That's a full 15 percentage point increase, she said.

"This is a major win for both our students and our taxpayers," said Nuccio, the ranking
member of the legislative Appropriations Committee. "I fought hard for this change because our children deserve to learn in a safe, modern environment, and our taxpayers deserve relief from the
crushing costs of these necessary improvements."

In addition to the increased reimbursement rate, the legislation grants the town until June
2027 to finalize its construction plans. This extended timeline allows local leaders the flexibility
to develop a project that best meets the town’s long-term educational needs, Nuccio said.

Nuccio credited the town’s leadership for their collaboration and persistence.

"I want to thank First Selectman Peter Tanaka, the Board of Education and our partners at the
state who joined me in getting this over the finish line, as well as our community stakeholders
who worked alongside me to make this happen," she said. "This kind of partnership is exactly
how good government is supposed to work."

The updated bonding measure is expected to significantly ease the financial strain on the town
while ensuring students have access to high-quality learning environments for years to come.

Back in 2023, the Willington School Building Committee is recommending that a new school should be built, rather than renovate Center School and Hall Memorial School. The schools currently house students in pre-K through Grade 4 and Grades 5 through 8, respectively.

Early cost estimates exceed $60 million.