Decision Reached On New Elementary School In Westport

WESTPORT, CT — The planned new Long Lots School in Westport recently received approvals, paving the way for its construction, which is expected to be completed by the fall of 2027.

Reported cost for the new school is $103 million, according to the Connecticut Post, following approval by the Representative Town Meeting for the expenditure.

In separate statements below, Schools Superintendent Thomas Scarice and First Selectwoman Jen Tooker expressed their excitement over the approval, and the future of the new elementary school:

Dear Westport Families and Faculty,

I’m thrilled to share some truly historic news!

As you have likely heard already (good news travels fast!!), last night the RTM voted to approve the construction of a brand-new, state-of-the-art Long Lots Elementary School and Stepping Stones Preschool!!!

This decision marks a transformative moment for our students, our educators, and the entire Westport community.
As I mentioned last night, this vote is far more than an approval of bricks and mortar, it is a testament to our values, reflecting our town’s unwavering commitment to our children, to public education, and to a future which will continue to be built on decades of excellence in our schools.

We have long known that the Long Lots facility has reached the end of its useful life, and that the miraculous work in Stepping Stones Preschool has been performed in subpar settings.

I would be remiss in not acknowledging the people who have performed at the highest levels, in inferior conditions, namely, the maintenance team who have kept these schools spotless in spite of worsening conditions, the faculty and support staff who have delivered year in and year out, and the administrative team who have led through disruption, facility failures, and emotional distress.

Finally, on behalf of the entire district, I want to extend my deepest gratitude to the parents of Long Lots and Stepping Stones. You spoke up, showed up, and never gave up, even knowing your own children might not benefit directly. You stood up not just for your own families, but for future generations of Westport students. Your selfless advocacy is a powerful reminder of what it means to believe in something bigger than ourselves.

This moment did not happen by chance. It was made possible by years of advocacy from our Board of Education, support from our Board of Finance and First Selectwoman Jennifer Tooker, and thoughtful planning (and hours and hours of work) from our Long Lots School Building Committee and town staff.

Finally, I want to thank the RTM for the rigor of their approval process, and for the unanimous vote last night, sending a strong message of values to the entire community.

We now turn toward an exciting chapter, the design and construction of a future-facing school that will serve generations to come. One that will be safe, sustainable, inclusive, and inspiring, a space that supports every student and reflects the values of the community around it.

This is a proud day for Westport. And it’s just the beginning.

We’ll be sharing more about next steps and opportunities to stay engaged in the coming weeks and months.

For now, let’s take a moment to celebrate—this celebratory moment belongs to the entire community.

With gratitude and enthusiasm,

Thomas Scarice
Superintendent of Schools
Westport Public Schools

First Selectwoman Jennifer Tooker made the following statement today after last evening’s final unanimous approval from the P&Z Commission for the site plan of the new Long Lots Elementary School and Stepping Stones Preschool:

I am extremely grateful to the Flood and Erosion Control Board, Conservation Commission, Board of Finance, the RTM, and the Planning & Zoning Commission – all of which voted unanimously to move this significant Town project forward. These elected and appointed members took the time to listen and deliberate the merits of the plans, conditions and finances – they heard their constituents and voted accordingly.

Since September 2022, when the Long Lots Elementary School Building Committee was originally approved by the RTM; to October 2023, when the feasibility study to build a new school was accepted; from multiple iterations of plans and reviews; from a combined 50+ committee, commission, and board meetings over the past 2.5 years, where the design plans, financials and details were scrutinized, updated, reviewed, discussed, and multiple opportunities for public input was provided, to today, I have been confident that the LLSBC produced a site plan that incorporates and addresses multiple stakeholders’ advice, information, concerns and issues. Now, as this phase of the project moves forward, I remain confident that the Building Committee will continue to focus on its mission and bring the new Long Lots Elementary School and Stepping Stones Preschool to ultimate completion.

I want to take this opportunity to extend my sincere gratitude to all the participants – the Board of Education, all the land use and funding bodies, Town employees, staff, consultants, parents, educators, and members of the public – all of whom have expended numerous hours, energy, and consideration to making this phase of the project come to fruition. Of course, the work involving construction of this magnitude is just beginning. So, I cannot say thank you enough to the members of the Long Lots School Building Committee, all of whom have served on previous building committees, for the work you have done, and will continue to do, on behalf of our Town and the kids. As a community, we are lucky to have such an experienced group of volunteers who have vast professional expertise, fortitude and patience. Your service is deeply appreciated.