🏫 Questions About Bungay School

Why do we need a new elementary school?

The current Bungay Elementary School is outdated, inefficient, and expensive to maintain. 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 Poor indoor air quality, outdated windows, aging infrastructure, and energy inefficiency make it a health and safety concern for students and staff.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.

What improvements have been made to Bungay School recently?

Minor improvements include a new roof and boiler (2019) and a rooftop solar array. However, the last major renovation was in 1996. In contrast, all other Seymour schools have been either rebuilt, expanded, or fully renovated within the past 20 years.

Due to the lack of A/C, air ventilation, and mold issues, are the books in the building moldy?

Currently, high humidity and poor ventilation can contribute to mold concerns. The new building will have state-of-the-art HVAC and dehumidification systems that improve air quality and eliminate these issues, ensuring that instructional materials remain safe and in good condition.

Are there hazardous materials or asbestos abatement issues?

As with many older buildings, hazardous materials like asbestos are present in the current facility. The new project will follow all state and federal guidelines for proper abatement and disposal, ensuring a safe environment for students and staff during and after construction.

How does building a new school impact student learning?

Modern classrooms, flexible learning spaces, and technology integration create a dynamic environment that enhances educational outcomes. Students will no longer be disrupted by ongoing repairs, and teachers will be better equipped to deliver instruction in an environment that supports modern curriculum delivery.

What are Educational Specifications and why are they important?

Educational Specifications guide the design to ensure it supports student-centered learning and meets State reimbursement requirements. They reflect input from school staff, district leadership, and community health experts (including the Planetree Person-Centered Care approach supported by Griffin Hospital). These specs help ensure the new school is safe, accessible, flexible, sustainable, and aligned with the district’s instructional vision.

What did we learn from the October 2024 community workshops?

Community priorities included:

1. Enhanced security

2. Indoor air quality

3. 21st-century classrooms.

Strengths of the current school included its staff, culture, and PTA involvement. Key concerns were poor ventilation, lack of A/C, traffic flow, window and door conditions, outdated classrooms, and insufficient privacy in the nurse’s office. The need for flexible special education/sensory spaces was frequently highlighted.

How many families have moved into Seymour over the past 5–10 years?

Enrollment and migration trends indicate steady interest in Seymour as a family-friendly community. Updated demographic data and enrollment projections have been used to design the school with enough flexibility to accommodate potential growth.

💵 Questions About Costs & Taxes

Isn’t renovating the existing school a cheaper option?

Not in the long term. While the initial cost of renovation may seem lower, the estimated total cost of the renovation is $58.6M—more than the $58.1M estimated for new construction. Renovation would also require costly logistical phases to avoid displacing students, extended timelines, and ongoing maintenance costs. A new school allows for a more efficient design and long-term savings while qualifying for a higher state reimbursement rate.

Are there strings attached to the State Reimbursement Grant?

The State reimbursement does come with guidelines to ensure responsible use of public funds, including requirements for design standards, timelines, and reporting. However, these do not restrict local control over how the school functions day-to-day or limit the quality of education provided.

Why is the new construction option less expensive than renovating?

New construction avoids costly phased construction and student displacement, shortens the overall construction schedule, and enables more energy-efficient, modern design. Because it can be demonstrated to cost less than renovation, the project qualifies for a 10% bonus reimbursement from the State, making it a better financial and practical choice.

What are the project costs for both options?

• Renovation (Renovate-As-New): $58,610,515 total project cost. Town share after reimbursement: $24,522,025.

• New Construction: $58,057,766 total project cost. Town share after reimbursement and bonus: $24,290,760

Can we afford to wait?

Delaying will only drive up costs due to inflation, increasing material/labor prices, and further degradation of the current building. The longer we wait, the greater the financial and safety risks.

Why would delaying renovations by one year add $XXM to the cost?

Construction costs typically escalate each year due to inflation, labor shortages, and material price increases. A delay could also jeopardize eligibility or timing for state reimbursements. These factors combine to significantly increase the total cost of the project if it is postponed.

How will this project affect my taxes?

If approved, the mill rate is expected to increase slightly, amounting to an average of $10 per month for taxpayers for just one year. After that, the tax rate will stabilize. The investment is modest considering the long-term benefits to the community and property values.

Will this project increase property values?

Yes. Communities with newer, high-performing schools are more desirable to families, directly influencing local property values. Investing in a new school helps maintain a vibrant, attractive community.

If my property value rises, will my taxes be higher than projected for this project?

No. Property revaluations are designed to be revenue-neutral. This means the town does not collect more taxes simply because property values increase. As long as your property's change in value mirrors the average change in the town's Grand List, your share of the tax burden remains similar. Therefore, the projected tax impacts related to the school project are not expected to increase due to revaluation.

What will this project do to my home value?

Quality schools are a cornerstone of strong communities. Studies consistently show that investment in modern, high-performing schools can increase property values, attract new families, and enhance overall community appeal.

🚧 Questions About the Project

What is the timeline if the referendum passes in October 2025?

• June 30, 2025: Submit State Grant Application

• Summer 2025: Hire Architect and Construction Manager

• Fall 2025 – End of 2026: Design and State review process

• December 15, 2025: Anticipated State grant approval

• Early 2027: Procurement and pre-construction

• May 2027 – August 2028: Construction of new school

• September 2028: Students move into new school

• Fall 2028: Site work and demolition of old building completed

How does this project prioritize student safety?

The new school will feature modern safety standards: secure entry points, improved internal traffic flow, updated fire systems, outdoor fencing, better bus/car separation, and enhanced visibility. These features simply cannot be effectively integrated into the current building.

Won’t construction be disruptive to students?

No. New construction will occur on a separate site while students continue attending the current school. This avoids disruptions caused by construction, which would be unavoidable in a renovation scenario.

Why not renovate the whole school and plan for future growth?

A full renovation was studied and found to be less cost-effective due to the age, layout, and structural limitations of the existing building. The proposed new building is designed with flexibility in mind, offering the ability to accommodate future shifts in enrollment more efficiently and with modern, adaptable learning spaces.

Why is new construction the best option for Bungay School?

New construction is less expensive, avoids disruption, shortens the timeline, and allows for a purpose-built school that meets modern standards. It qualifies for a 10% bonus in State reimbursement and provides long-term value through efficient, adaptable space design.

How will the new school be safe and secure?

The building will meet or exceed the latest safety and security standards. Features will include secure vestibules at entry points, updated surveillance systems, access control systems, and clearly defined visitor check-in procedures, all designed in collaboration with local law enforcement and school safety professionals.

How will traffic at the new entry be managed, and will it be safer?

Traffic circulation is a key component of the design. The new layout will separate bus and car traffic, reduce congestion, and enhance safety for student drop-off and pick-up. Sight lines, crosswalks, and designated entry points will be improved to reduce conflicts and increase visibility.

Who decides the final level of finishes so it is not so expensive?

A Building Committee, consisting of town representatives, educators, parents, and community members, will work with the design team to select finishes that are durable, cost-effective, and appropriate for a school environment—balancing longevity, maintenance, and aesthetics with fiscal responsibility.

What will the utility cost savings compared to the current school?

The new building will be significantly more energy-efficient. It will use modern HVAC, LED lighting, and potentially solar power systems, which will reduce utility costs over time. While initial costs may be higher, long-term operational savings and reduced maintenance costs are expected to offer a return on investment.

How much Wi-Fi will students be exposed to, and will wired connections be used to reduce risks?

While the school will have robust wireless connectivity, critical systems will use hardwired connections for performance and security. The wireless infrastructure will comply with all federal safety guidelines and is designed to minimize unnecessary exposure through smart placement of access points and power management features.

Will the new HVAC systems allow room-by-room control?

Yes. Modern HVAC systems allow for zoning by area or even by classroom, providing better temperature control and comfort. This also improves energy efficiency by avoiding over-conditioning of underused spaces.

How will Seymour Schools keep up with new HVAC and electrical systems on a small district budget?

The project will include training for facilities staff and select systems that are reliable, cost-effective, and user-friendly. In addition, warranties, vendor support, and service agreements will be built into the initial project scope to assist with ongoing maintenance.

Why is this project’s cost per square foot higher than similar schools?

Cost per square foot varies based on project scope, building materials, site conditions, and regional market rates. This project includes elements like specialized early childhood spaces, security features, and environmental systems that meet today’s codes, which may not be included in other comparisons.

Will the wooded area be preserved?

Preserving natural space is a priority in the planning process. While the project may require selective clearing for safety and construction needs, the design team is committed to maintaining as much of the existing wooded area as possible to preserve the character of the site and offer natural outdoor learning and recreational opportunities for students.

🗳️ Questions About the Vote

Why is the referendum needed if the State Grant Application is being submitted first?

Submitting the application by June 30, 2025, secures eligibility for the current reimbursement rate. However, the Town must hold a public referendum to approve the project budget. The October 2025 vote allows time for final State approval, design development, and contractor selection while demonstrating the community's commitment to the project and responsible fiscal planning.

Why are Seymour residents only being presented with one option to vote on?

After months of research, community input, and analysis of alternatives, the selected option was found to be the most feasible and fiscally responsible path forward. It reflects the best balance of educational impact, long-term investment, and community feedback.

What would be the effect of mandated affordable housing per the State?

State-mandated affordable housing laws are intended to increase housing opportunities, which could gradually affect enrollment. The proposed school project is designed with a capacity that accommodates reasonable projected growth and flexibility to adapt to demographic changes over time.

How can I support this initiative?

Stay informed, talk to neighbors, attend public meetings, and vote in favor of the project. Supporting this initiative ensures a better learning environment for our children and strengthens our community for the future.