$576 Million In State Funding For New School Projects Announced By Mayor Simmons

STAMFORD, CT — Mayor Caroline Simmons on Thursday announced that $576 million in total state funding has been authorized for the Westhill High School and Roxbury Elementary School projects.

The authorization was included in the state bond act, House Bill 7288, which passed on Wednesday, June 4.

With the latest authorization, the maximum state grant commitment totals $434.8 million for both projects, $356.8 million for the Westhill High School project, and $78 million for the Roxbury Elementary School project, according to Simmons announcement.

In 2022, Mayor Simmons worked in partnership with the Stamford legislative delegation and Stamford Public Schools and secured an increase in state reimbursement rates for school construction.

The reimbursement rate for the Westhill High School project rose from 20 percent to 80 percent, and a new 60 percent reimbursement rate was established for all future Stamford school construction projects over the next 25 years, according to an announcement.

The 60 percent reimbursement rate applies to the Roxbury project, as well as the Lower New School (grades K-4) which will be located at 87 Lockwood Ave., and the Upper New School (grades 5-8) located at the existing KT Murphy Elementary School.

"This critical state funding is a transformational investment in our ongoing commitment to ensuring all Stamford students, teachers, and staff can learn, work, and thrive in modern, safe facilities," said Simmons in a prepared statement. "I want to thank the Stamford legislative delegation for their partnership in this effort, especially the leadership and advocacy of Senator Pat Billie Miller. This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to reimagine and rebuild our school infrastructure in a way that meets the needs of today’s students and the Stamford school community for decades to come, and we are excited to continue to move these important projects forward."

"This funding commitment allows us to move forward with confidence and deliver on these transformative school projects," added Stamford Director of Operations Matt Quinones. "These projects reflect years of planning and collaboration, and we are eager to move ahead to bring these state-of-the-art facilities to life for our school community."

The City plans to break ground on the Westhill and Roxbury projects in spring and summer 2026, respectively. The design process for the Lower and Upper New Schools will begin in July 2025.

Combined, these projects serve 25 percent of the Stamford Public School student population