Suffield board says Middle School building referendum timeline under review; more public engagement planned

Superintendent Matt Dunbar and board members told the June 1 meeting that the Suffield Middle School Building Project remains under active review and that a previously targeted November 2026 referendum may be delayed to ensure adequate community outreach and understanding.

Dunbar said project materials and presentations have been posted to the district website and that district and town leadership are evaluating the timeline so residents have time to "fully understand the project’s scope, costs, educational benefits, and long-term implications before being asked to vote." Board Chair Maureen Sattan emphasized the need for voters to be informed before any referendum.

The district previously held a joint meeting with the Permanent Building Commission to provide detailed project information and guidance. Board members discussed communication strategies and grant timelines and expressed concern that an early referendum could limit the district’s ability to educate the community and secure public support.

Project approvals: the Suffield High School Roof and Photovoltaic Project — discussed elsewhere in the meeting — remain pending final state approval from the Connecticut Department of Administrative Services, which officials said could affect timing because federal incentives are tied to project economics.

What’s next: No final referendum date was set. District and town leaders will continue planning outreach and assess grant and approval timelines before proposing a referendum date to the public.