Region 15 Participates in Community Forum at Heritage Village

At the invitation of the Heritage Village Association (HVA), representatives from Region 15 Schools, along with members of town leadership, met with Heritage Village residents on April 22nd for a community forum focused on the town and school budgets and the proposed Pomperaug Elementary School (PES) and Gainfield Elementary School (GES) construction.

“We appreciate the strong turnout and thoughtful engagement from residents,” said Marion Manzo, Region 15 Board of Education Chairperson. “Open dialogue like this is an important part of the process as we approach the May 6 referendum, and we thank the Heritage Village Association for hosting and providing an opportunity for residents to ask questions and engage directly with district and town representatives.” The forum was moderated by the President of the Heritage Village Condo Association, Terry Calnan.

Discussion largely centered on the district’s oldest elementary schools, Gainfield (built in 1941) and Pomperaug (built in 1967), which are experiencing increasing maintenance demands as systems near the end of their useful life. Officials noted that the work required has shifted from routine maintenance to larger, more complex and expensive capital improvements.

“As these buildings continue to age, the nature of the work changes,” Manzo said. “Instead of smaller repairs, the remaining needs involve replacing major systems, projects that are more complex and more costly. A long-term plan allows us to address those needs strategically and responsibly.”

In response, the district conducted the GES/PES Feasibility Study to evaluate building conditions, explore long-term options, and develop a forward-looking financial strategy. The study included input from staff, community members, and local officials from both Southbury and Middlebury and confirmed the need for significant capital improvements.

Following this work, the Board of Education unanimously supported the Feasibility Committee’s recommendation to construct two new schools, each on the current Gainfield and Pomperaug sites. An evaluation of alternative options, including a single consolidated school, determined that no suitable property was available for that approach.

“This reflects our responsibility to be thoughtful stewards of community resources,” Manzo added. “We appreciate the time, input, and extensive financial expertise contributed by the Feasibility Committee. Planning comprehensively allows us to care for these assets in a fiscally responsible way while being mindful of both current and future taxpayers.”

District leaders emphasized that maintaining school facilities supports the broader community.
“Maintaining community assets like our schools contributes to a strong educational system and is connected to property values,” Manzo said.

After the presentation residents had the opportunity to ask questions, officials acknowledged that the scope of the proposal represents a significant undertaking, while reiterating the importance of planning for major infrastructure needs.

“We recognize the local state and financial climate is an uncertain one,” said Joshua Smith, Superintendent of Region 15 Schools. “At the same time, the need to address major building systems remains. A proactive, long-term approach allows us to maximize available grant funding to meet those needs responsibly.”

District leaders noted that the project timeline aligns with current state reimbursement opportunities, positioning the district to receive an estimated 64.2% reimbursement of eligible costs, approximately $144 million of the $224 million project, significantly reducing the local share. Proposed legislative changes are expected to reduce reimbursement rates after July 1, making timing an important consideration.

“We value the role Heritage Village residents play in supporting our schools and our community,” said Smith. “There is a long standing connection between strong schools, property values and community investment. It was meaningful to hear several residents express their support and commitment to educating future generations.”

“State reimbursement for school construction provides an opportunity to return a substantial portion of those dollars to our community,” Smith said. “This allows us to invest in long-term public assets while making the most efficient use of available and timely funding.”

District officials also reviewed the Region 15 budget, noting that it is largely driven by contractual obligations, operational needs, and mandated costs.

Photo Pictured L-R: Terry Calnan, Forum Moderator, Tim O’Neil, Southbury First Selectman, Dan Colton, Finance Director, Southbury, Joe Martino, Region 15 Director Finance and Facilities, Marion Manzo, Chairperson Region 15 Board of Education, and Joshua Smith, Region 15 Superintendent.