RSU 22 board unanimously approves referendum language to fund new central office modular building

The RSU 22 school board unanimously approved language to place a referendum before district voters to authorize construction and equipping of a new central office modular building, with a total project cost not to exceed $1.6 million.

Under the approved language, the question asks whether the board may "construct and equip a new central office modular building to be located at 24 Main Road North, Hamden, with total project cost not to exceed $1,600,000, which will be funded by its central office reserve account previously approved by a vote of residents at the June 2025 district budget meeting, with in-kind services, including but not limited to plumbing, HVAC and electrical, to be provided by career and technical education students from Region 4 United Technologies Center." The board amended the originally proposed wording to specify that the reserve account had been previously approved by voters at the June 2025 district budget meeting.

Board members discussed two sample versions of referendum language and favored the more detailed option because it explicitly references United Technologies Center participation, which members said provides an educational opportunity for CTE students. Several members asked about the cost ceiling and whether the $1.6 million figure included site work, utilities and furniture; central office staff said the modular company's quote included installation and that the $1.6 million cap also encompasses furniture and equipment, and that UTC's in-kind contribution was limited to the listed systems.

Board members asked whether the district had a definitive UTC commitment; staff said UTC had indicated its participation and that the modular vendor would recalculate price accordingly. The board also discussed timing: the referendum language must be sent to towns ahead of printing ballots, and the board noted that if the measure failed in November, it could be resubmitted for the June 2026 election, though special elections would require the district to pay all town costs.

A board member emphasized the need for public informational meetings and direct outreach to town councils before the referendum; the board agreed to organize public presentations and a town outreach strategy. The motion to send the amended referendum language to the towns for ballot printing carried by unanimous voice vote.

The board did not approve construction itself; the vote authorized only placement of the referendum question before district voters.