Stratford board recommends comprehensive feasibility study; single-high-school option discussed

A board member opened a lengthy discussion urging the Stratford School District and town officials to consider a districtwide feasibility study rather than limit work to renovating a single building.

The board member said, "what we do now at Vinal is gonna have impact for the next 30 years," and called for a study that would examine both near-term renovation needs and broader reconfiguration options, including a single high school campus.

Why it matters: The choice to renovate the current high school or to pursue consolidation would shape capital spending, building use and student assignment for decades. Board members and school leaders said a broader study could clarify costs, program opportunities and which facilities to keep, repurpose or return to the town.

Discussion and proposals

Board members, district administrators and the principals from both high schools took part in the discussion. The meeting outlined a two-part proposal the board would forward to the town's Building Needs Committee: part A would define what a near-term renovation of Bunnell High School (sometimes referred to in meeting materials as the —3now—4 project) would require; part B would be a districtwide feasibility and…