New schools would be purpose-built to support modern learning and safety standards. Planned improvements include: Flexible, collaborative classroom design Full ADA accessibility Separation of bus and parent traffic Energy-efficient systems such as geothermal heating and cooling Dedicated PreK space Improved playgrounds and outdoor learning areas The goal is to create learning environments that serve students for the next 50+ years.

No. The proposed plan allows new buildings to be constructed adjacent to the existing schools. Students and staff would remain in their current buildings until the new facilities are completed, minimizing disruption to instruction.

Updating Pomperaug and Gainfield Elementary Schools helps relieve enrollment pressure across the district, including at Long Meadow Elementary School (LMES) and Middlebury Elementary School (MES), both Middlebury-based schools, allowing the district to better balance enrollment and learning spaces for all students. The project would also significantly expand preschool capacity, nearly tripling the number of available preschool seats and allowing the district to offer full-day preschool. Delaying the project would result in significantly higher costs over time due to construction inflation and continued maintenance needs for aging facilities. Moving forward now helps control long-term costs, allows the district to better manage debt obligations, and provides certainty for long-term financial planning and cost projections.