RSD17 board halts Haddam-Killingworth High School referendum, board to reconsider project approach

The Regional School District 17 Board of Education voted unanimously Sept. 16 to terminate proceedings on an Oct. 7 referendum to fund a proposed Haddam-Killingworth High School project and said it will revisit the plan and timeline.

Board Chair Suzanne Sack read a statement explaining that the board had identified "technical issues related to the project’s bonding and referendum procedures" and concluded that, given impending elections and a state deadline tied to a funding application submitted June 30, 2025, the Oct. 7 referendum timeline "is not feasible at this time." The statement said, "the Board has, by not taking action to remedy the earlier mentioned technical issues, put the October 7th referendum 'on hold.'"

Dr. Kathleen Zandi moved to terminate all proceedings related to the proposed referendum and to direct the interim superintendent to post notice of the action on the district website; Ben Sodergren seconded. The motion passed by roll call vote, 9-0-0. Two members were recorded as absent during the vote.

The board's statement emphasized that addressing the high school's needs remains "an urgent and significant priority" and that the pause will allow the board to "consider additional, alternative approaches" to meet facility needs while taking cost and community preferences into account. The board said it will communicate next steps to residents of Haddam and Killingworth in the near future.

Procedurally, the board's termination of proceedings does not itself adopt a new construction plan or authorize a new referendum; it stops the current referendum effort while the board seeks alternatives and further research. The board earlier referred structural options for the White Barn and other facilities work to the Facilities subcommittee for follow-up.

The board adjourned at 7:56 p.m.