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Suffield leaders outline middle school building options and tight timeline for possible Nov. 2026 referendum
Summary
Superintendent Matt Dunbar said the town has hired Colliers to evaluate options and compile state paperwork for a possible November 2026 referendum; an RFP for educational specifications will be issued immediately and required state submittals are due in June, creating a compressed schedule.
Superintendent Matt Dunbar told the Suffield Board of Education on Oct. 6 that the town has engaged Colliers to evaluate options for the Suffield Middle School building project and to identify the steps required to pursue state grants and reimbursement.
Dunbar said the consultant will gather data and prepare materials needed for a potential referendum in November 2026. He said paperwork must be submitted to the state by June, which creates a tight timeline for completing design and reimbursement documentation. An RFP for educational specifications was scheduled to be issued the day after the meeting.
From an educational standpoint, Dunbar told trustees he favors a grade 6–8 configuration over a 5–8 model. He said Colliers will also help the district understand state requirements tied to grant eligibility and reimbursement.
Board members discussed transitions for students and how schedules would support academic challenge during advance planning presentations from both Suffield Middle School and Suffield High School principals earlier in the meeting. Board member Debra Dudack later urged the board to be decisive about supporting a grade 6–8 option as the project advances.
Next steps outlined at the meeting include issuing the RFP for educational specifications, completing the consultant’s enrollment and options study, and preparing state submittals by the June deadline. The district will continue to share updates with the board as Colliers completes its evaluation.
