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Groton seeks feedback with $25 million federal application for Charles Barnum school; architects estimate full costs far higher
Summary
Superintendent Susan told the board the district applied for a competitive DOIA/DODIA grant requesting $25 million to address Charles Barnum’s needs; architects’ updated estimates put renovation at roughly $70–74 million and new construction around $86 million. Staff said a 25M award would be used with state school construction funds and possible municipal bonding or a phased approach; town buy-in and enrollment projections tied to naval activity emerged as key uncertainties.
The Groton Board of Education Committee heard an extensive briefing June 15 on the district's just‑submitted application to a new federal school construction grant program administered through DOIA/DODIA seeking, in the district’s filing, $25 million for Charles Barnum school.
Susan, the superintendent, said the district hurried to meet the May 22 filing deadline after updated architect reviews found the project costs greatly exceeded earlier estimates. The updated feasibility work produced two order‑of‑magnitude estimates: about $86 million to build a new replacement school and roughly $70–74 million to renovate the existing facility, including contingencies. Those figures prompted staff to apply for the maximum feasible federal amount as a way to learn how the new program will be implemented and to position the district for future competitive rounds.
Susan told the board the district consulted the state Department of Administrative Services (DAS) and was told federal awards could be counted as part of the local match required for state school construction grants. Staff described a potential strategy that would pair a federal award with state funds and a municipal bond or a phased approach prioritizing code/ADA and other critical work.
Board members pressed staff on next steps and conditions. Several members recommended a face‑to‑face meeting with the town manager to secure municipal support; staff said the town manager had provided a letter of support but did not commit to funding. Members also questioned enrollment projections that accompany the application, which assume Charles Barnum’s enrollment could increase in part because of shipbuilding activity at nearby naval facilities; staff said those projections are uncertain and depend on future basing and housing decisions beyond the district’s control.
Why it matters: The application could bring significant state and federal investment to a school facility that staff say needs major work. But district leaders cautioned the submitted $25 million is unlikely to fully fund a full replacement; architects’ estimates indicate much larger sums would be required for a complete rebuild. The application also places the town in a position of potential financial partnership for any municipal matching or bond obligations.
Next steps: Staff said the state will notify award decisions in late September; the district will share architectural plans, cost estimates, enrollment‑projection documentation and the signed application package with the board and meet with the town manager to clarify the municipal path and timing. Susan said the district applied now to receive feedback on eligibility and to better target future requests.
