School Board Approves Central Office Lease

In the wake of the Sandy Hook Elementary School shootings last December, school security became a top priority for educators everywhere, including here in Wallingford.

The tragedy prompted a review of all security issues, including those facing the district's alternative high school program that is currently housed in a building at 43 Hall St.

It would be safer for students and staff to move that program to Sheehan High School, administrators decided, to the space currently occupied by Central Office staff, which would move into the alternative high school space.

On Monday, the Board of Education approved the lease for Central Office to occupy the Hall Street property, paving the way for the switch, which now needs Town Council approval.

The vote came after an executive session and was taken with no discussion.

The section of Sheehan that Central Office occupies is separated from the rest of the school, so the alternative high school students would be apart from the mainstream students. But they would be close enough to be able to utilize the high school's resources if needed, administrators said.