Wallingford school board debates pool, planetarium and space trade-offs for proposed single high school

The Wallingford School District Board of Education discussed educational specifications on May 19 for a proposed single high school that would combine Sheehan and Lyman Hall, focusing on whether to include a swimming pool and a new planetarium, how classroom layouts affect required classroom counts and reimbursements, and other support-space choices.

Board members and district staff framed the discussion around state reimbursement limits and building size, while asking consultants to return with updated pricing and schedule simulations. "I'll be sure when I speak with our representatives from Colliers to share some of the feedback from this evening," Superintendent Belizzi said, adding that the consultants would present revised documents and price ranges informed by the board's direction.

Why it matters: The district's choices affect the building's size and the percentage of cost that the state will reimburse under Connecticut school construction guidelines. That, in turn, determines what the town would have to pay directly for items such as artificial turf, lighting and some athletic and auditorium upgrades.

Most board members signaled support for keeping a pool in the plan. "I agree that we should absolutely have a pool," Board member Regan said, citing swim teams and a curricular role for swimming. Board member Latour added that swimming is part of the physical-education curriculum and not only an extracurricular activity. Several members also suggested designing the pool for after-hours public access to help offset operating costs.

Board members split on building a second planetarium. Regan said Sheehan's current planetarium should be maintained and…