1. Why do we need a new elementary school?

Built to accommodate teaching methods of the 1950s, the building lacks the infrastructure needed for 21st-century learning. Poor indoor air quality, outdated windows, aging infrastructure, and energy inefficiency make it a health and safety concern for students and staff. A new building would address these issues and provide a modern, safe, and effective educational environment that meets today’s learning standards.

2. Isn’t renovating the existing school a cheaper option?

No, not in the long term. 

While renovation may seem like a cost-saving measure, the total estimated cost for renovation is $500K more than the total projected cost for new construction, ultimately making renovation the more expensive option over the next 20 years. 

Renovation also requires costly logistical phases to avoid displacing students, extended timelines, and ongoing maintenance costs. Alternatively, a new school allows for a more efficient design and long-term savings while qualifying for a higher state reimbursement rate.

3. How does building a new school impact student learning?

A new school will create a safe, healthy, and inspiring learning environment that directly supports student achievement and well-being. Outdated infrastructure and constant maintenance interruptions are distracting and detrimental to both focus and learning outcomes for students, staff, and administrators. A modern facility alleviates many of those disruptions and allows students and educators to fully engage in teaching and learning, with the right spaces and tools necessary. Key benefits include:

• Improved indoor air quality: Clean, well-ventilated air supports better health, concentration, and fewer absences due to illness or asthma-related issues.
  
  

• Natural lighting and energy-efficient windows: Energy efficiency will be captured within temperature controlled environments, and safety with windows that are modern, safe, and contribute to an environment that impacts student energy and cognitive performance.
  
  

• Modern technology integration: Classrooms designed with built-in digital infrastructure support up-to-date tools for collaborative, personalized, and tech-enhanced instruction to meet the demands of each child and their different learning styles. Today, constant classroom disruption due to the lack of adequate space to meet children’s unique needs is an on-going issue throughout the day.
  
  

• Flexible learning spaces: Purpose-built areas for STEM education, special education, sensory support, art, music, and outdoor classrooms allow students to learn in environments tailored to their needs and interests.
  
  

Accessibility and equity: A new building ensures full ADA compliance and equitable access to resources and spaces for all learners, regardless of ability. 

4. How does this project prioritize student safety?

Modern schools are designed with enhanced safety features, including:

• Controlled entry points, and enhanced security with modern doors and windows, as well as a safe screening space for visitors entering and exiting the building.

• Improved traffic flow for drop-off/pick-up, alleviating the Bungay Road congestion.

• Updated emergency preparedness.

• Secure outdoor spaces. 

5. Won’t construction be disruptive to students?

No. The new school will be built on a different section of the site, allowing students to continue learning in the existing building. Once complete, students will transition smoothly to the new facility. 

6. Can we afford to wait?

The last major upgrade was started in 1995 and completed in 1996, 30-years ago. Since then, only minor, necessary updates (roof, boiler, solar panels) have occurred. Meanwhile, all other Seymour schools have undergone new builds or complete renovations within the past 20-years, leaving Bungay lagging behind in facility quality and functionality. In both scenarios of a renovation or a rebuild the roof and solar panels would be disrupted, the roof would not be fully preserved in a renovation, meaning this is not a cost saving measure when considering renovation vs rebuild. 

7. How can I support this initiative?

Educational Specifications are planning documents that guide how school facilities support teaching goals. They ensure the new school meets:

• Educational standards
  
  

• Safety and accessibility codes
  
  

• Health, wellness, and sustainability goals They also help secure state reimbursement funding. Bungay’s specs include feedback from staff, community workshops, and health professionals, and incorporate the Planetree Person-Centered Care model.

Currently Bungay School does not meet standards the state of Connecticut recommends.

8. What did we learn from community input sessions?

In Fall 2024, residents prioritized:

1. Enhanced security, and safety is a priority.

2. Indoor air quality, and the presence of mold and other toxic materials is a concern.

3. Modern classrooms that meet the needs of today's student learners, and the requirements of the next twenty years is a priority.
   
   

Concerns raised included poor traffic flow, lack of A/C, old windows/doors that are not energy efficient and lack modern security, and inadequate special education space was discussed during two length workshops. The community supports a facility that improves safety, comfort, flexibility, and positively impacts learning outcomes. 

9. Why not wait a few more years?

Delaying increases project costs due to inflation, worsens the condition of the current building, and risks missing state reimbursement deadlines. Acting now is the most cost-effective and responsible choice to ensure we are not continuing to increase taxpayer expense exponentially in the future as the failing infrastructure continues to age.

10. What is the project timeline if the referendum passes in October 2025?

• June 2025: Grant application submitted to the state

• Dec 2025: State approval expected

• Jan–Apr 2027: Bid and pre-construction review

• May 2027–Aug 2028: Construction

• Fall 2028: Site work and final transition
  
  

The new school will be ready for students September 2028.

11. Why is there a referendum vote in October 2025?

Although the Town and BOE submit a state grant application in June, voter approval is required to secure local funding. The referendum ensures community support and allows the project to proceed as the state funding is confirmed, and allows for the preliminary pre-construction bid materials to begin to be organized.

12. How can I support the new school project?

• Stay informed by attending meetings and reading project updates

• Share accurate information with neighbors and friends, help overcome misinformation.

• Most importantly, vote YES in the October 9, 2025 referendum, and encourage all community taxpayers to get out and vote. Every vote will be necessary to help support this project. 

This is a long-term investment in our students, our property values, and our community’s future.

Have any additional questions? 

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