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Board reviews Mary Morrison early‑childhood expansion tied to $600,000 construction grant; vote slated for March 23
Summary
Groton staff outlined plans to expand full‑day preK at Mary Morrison Early Childhood Center to 162 seats using a $600,000 construction grant; the board agreed to place the proposal on the March 23 regular meeting agenda pending facility and cost clarifications from a March 19 state/fire marshal meeting.
District staff presented a proposal to expand full‑day prekindergarten at the Mary Morrison Early Childhood Center and to consolidate services there if the board approves the plan.
What was presented: Staff said the Office of Early Childhood awarded a $600,000 construction grant for the project and that the district is awaiting details on an operations grant application cycle. The proposal would move the district’s four‑year‑old full‑day preK to Mary Morrison to create a nine‑classroom early childhood center (approximately 162 full‑day seats targeted in year one); an ABA classroom would continue to serve three‑ and four‑year‑olds with significant needs.
Enrollment and outreach: Staff reported current full‑day preK/TK enrollment of 90 students (83 continuing, seven new) and said registration opened in January. A short parent survey collected 153 responses (108 from families not currently enrolled in district early childhood programs) and showed cost and program hours as common barriers for families. Staff plan an April family information night to explain the program and registration process.
Facilities and safety concerns: Facilities staff (Sam) reported HVAC testing has identified upgrades needed, water testing is pending, some classroom drains were repiped, and the district is awaiting a March 19 meeting with a state early‑childhood representative and the fire marshal to clarify requirements such as additional exterior egress. Sam warned that certain construction and HVAC work could affect timing but said many upgrades are manageable (window units, mini‑splits, and targeted repairs), and some playground cleanup and modest equipment replacement will be required.
Equity and grant requirements: Staff said the grant requires targeting a portion of seats to families meeting income‑based eligibility (staff referenced a 60% free‑lunch‑eligible benchmark for grant purposes) and that the registration form now includes indicators to help the district meet that parameter. Staff noted outreach will prioritize neighborhoods with higher mobility, including the military community served by Charles Barnum elementary.
Board direction: Board members discussed timeline, costs, and next steps. The board agreed to place the expansion proposal on the March 23 regular meeting agenda for an official vote, pending more detailed cost estimates and the outcome of the March 19 facility meeting. No final vote on the expansion was held on March 9.
Next steps: Facilities staff will report back after the March 19 meeting with state and fire‑marshal representatives; the board expects estimates for HVAC/egress work, playground repairs, furniture and IT costs to inform the March 23 vote.
