Yes. The district evaluated multiple alternatives, including: IBM property Southbury Training School land Roxbury Road Various town-owned and privately owned parcels Each presented significant challenges related to environmental constraints, access, infrastructure costs, land acquisition uncertainty, transportation disruption, or permitting complexity. Existing school sites remain the most feasible and predictable option.

Modern school design allows us to thoughtfully address concerns related to site layout, nearby roadways, and overall building performance. The new site plans will be designed to improve traffic flow, circulation, and the overall use of space on each property. Today’s school buildings are constructed with significantly improved materials and systems compared to those used in the 1940s and 1960s. As a result, the new GES and PES will be built with materials that provide quieter, more efficient, and more comfortable spaces for students and staff. Updated construction materials and design will help reduce environmental noise from nearby highways and roads, and modern ventilation systems will support improved indoor air quality.

Construction will be thoughtfully scheduled and managed to limit disruption to students. Noise will be reduced through mitigation strategies such as sound barriers, and major demolition work and hazardous material removal will be planned for the summer months. The district has also observed similar projects in action. During a site visit to a school in Cheshire, Board of Education members and project partners saw how construction can be safely managed alongside an occupied school with minimal disruption. When appropriate, and as seen in similar projects like Cheshire, there may also be opportunities for students to observe and engage in aspects of the construction process as a real-world learning experience!

Projects like the Norton School in nearby Cheshire provide a local example of how site planning and construction are carefully managed on an active school campus. Construction areas are clearly defined and separated from student spaces, with thoughtful planning around traffic flow, safety, and daily school operations. Modern construction methods, scheduling, and site design allow schools to remain in use while new buildings are constructed nearby. This approach helps maintain a safe, organized environment while minimizing disruption and keeping the focus on student learning.