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Superintendent Austin outlines Cradle‑to‑Career plan, Mary Morrison early‑childhood funding
Summary
Groton schools’ superintendent reported the Board of Education approved work on the Mary Morrison Early Childhood Center supported by an initial grant described in the meeting as 'a 1.2 grant' and outlined plans for full‑day preschool for 4‑year‑olds, building upgrades and vocational program expansion.
Superintendent Austin told the RTM the Board of Education has endorsed the Mary Morrison Early Childhood Center as part of the district’s Cradle‑to‑Career initiative and that the effort has secured an initial grant the superintendent described in the meeting as "a 1.2 grant." She said the district has applied for additional funding for the program in following years.
The superintendent said the first phase would put 4‑year‑olds into full‑day programming (with 3‑year‑olds remaining on a half‑day schedule at Thames River) and that building renovation work — windows, painting, air conditioning updates, ADA‑compliant playground equipment and related site improvements — are part of the project. She also described efforts to restore and repurpose former shop spaces for robotics, machining and related career‑technical programs and said student interest in robotics and machining is strong.
Asked about sustainability if grants decline, the superintendent said the district has contingency plans, including a possible sliding scale for families; she reiterated the program’s intent is to expand access without relying solely on recurring tax support if grant funding changes.
The superintendent invited members to visit school sites after upgrades are complete and to participate in future events.
