Stonington Board approves middle‑school educational specifications; portable classroom contract signed

The Stonington Board of Education unanimously approved the Stonington Middle School Educational Specifications on April 9, adopting the document as a starting point to send to the K‑12 Building Committee.

Acting Superintendent Tim Smith told the board the EdSpec compiles input from teachers, parents, administrators and tours of other schools and is intended as a live document to guide initial design work. "This document is the starting point," Smith said, thanking staff and community contributors for their input.

Board members praised the scope of the document. Chair Farouk Rajab described the draft as a living plan that will continue to evolve as the building committee and stakeholders refine programming and designs. Board member Katie Gauthier called the background information ‘‘important’’ and said the document was comprehensive.

Separately, Steve Carroll, director of facilities and operations, reported that the contract for a portable classroom is signed, a purchase order will be issued through the town, vendors have been contacted and the estimated completion date is August 19. Carroll said the facilities office will coordinate with Director of Finance and Personnel Alisha Stripling and the town finance director on procurement and any further approvals.

The vote to approve the EdSpec carried unanimously on a motion by Dan Kelley, seconded by Kevin Agnello. The board directed that the approved EdSpec be forwarded to the K‑12 Building Committee for the next steps in planning and design.