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Board approves Mary Morrison early‑childhood center with phased rollout and state grant support
Summary
The board approved creating an early‑childhood center at Mary Morrison, using phased implementation funded by a state Safe Start construction grant and expected operational grant funding; members stressed coordination with the fire marshal and phased classroom start to manage safety and costs.
The Groton Board of Education voted March 23 to approve establishing an early‑childhood center at Mary Morrison, moving forward in phases depending on construction readiness and available grant funds.
Superintendent Susan Austin and facilities staff told the board that the project will be phased (initially serving 4‑year‑olds and expanding depending on classroom readiness) and is supported by a $1.2 million commitment from the Office of Early Childhood plus additional state funds set aside for construction. "This is a phased approach — whatever we can ready with the construction money, whether it's six, eight or ten classrooms, we will do the first year and phase in the rest," the superintendent said.
Board members emphasized two implementation priorities: safety approvals and realistic timelines. Facilities staff said they are scheduling HVAC testing with a contractor, are coordinating walk‑throughs with the state fire marshal, and are preparing a concise checklist of safety items (water testing, egress, fire marshal signoff) required to reopen the building for preschool use. One board member urged rapid, frequent updates: "If there's any hitches, let us know right away," the chair said.
Administration said the operational grant has been approved but expected to be available through the state's EGMS system closer to summer, when hiring will begin. The superintendent noted the district will offer before‑and‑after care through a partner program and has surveyed families to gauge demand.
The board approved the measure and asked for ongoing, meeting‑to‑meeting updates on fire‑marshal findings, site plans and staffing so that families can enroll with clarity about timelines and safety preparations.
What happens next: Administration will proceed with phased construction/renovation, return with detailed site and safety plans, and begin operational hiring once grant funds are accessible.
