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Board accepts Electric Boat workforce grant for Fitch machine‑shop, conditions acceptance on board‑approved plan
Summary
The board accepted a $248,499.35 workforce development grant from Electric Boat/Navy to create a machine‑shop program at Fitch High School, amending the acceptance to require a subsequent board‑approved site and curriculum plan before full implementation.
The Groton Board of Education accepted a $248,499.35 workforce development grant from Electric Boat and the Navy maritime industrial base on March 23, approving the funds with an amendment that ties disbursement and program implementation to a board‑approved plan for site layout and curriculum.
Administration described the grant as part of broader career‑pathway work with college and industry partners, noting recent student interest and employer engagement. Superintendent Susan Austin described earlier interactions with Electric Boat and federal/state partners and said some students already have job commitments through related pathways. "These are good salaries that will lead to trade careers and options beyond high school," she told the board.
Several members pressed for a specific site plan and clarity about how the machine‑shop will coexist with existing robotics programming. One board member proposed — and the board adopted — language that accepts the grant "in accordance with a board‑approved plan," ensuring the board will review detailed facility and curriculum proposals before full program roll‑out. The amended motion passed in the meeting record.
What happens next: Administration will develop and present a detailed site/curriculum plan for board approval and coordinate with town review bodies as needed before committing funds to specific construction or equipment purchases.
