Superintendent says referendum win will fund $30 million in school improvements with $11.5 million state support

Superintendent Zelensky reported to the board that the district’s Nov. 4 bond referendum passed by a significant margin (he cited more than 1,700 votes) and that the district will move forward with a coordinated facilities program. Zelensky said the timing of the referendum and an upcoming debt retirement will allow the district to implement roughly $30,000,000 in essential facility upgrades — including roofing and HVAC replacements across the district’s six schools — with no projected debt-service tax increase.

Zelensky told the board the district expects to receive approximately $11,500,000 in state funding for the project, which he described as "a game changer" that will reduce the local taxpayer burden. He said the administration will provide regular updates as the district proceeds through bidding, contracting and construction phases.

Board members and committee reports reiterated that some projects — including the Mill Pond preschool playground and bathroom work — are covered by state funding and other grants, and that the district plans to synchronize investments with debt retirement to minimize local tax impacts.

What happens next: administration will move to bidding and contracting phases and report timelines and cost details to the board and public in future meetings.