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East Windsor board leans toward combining middle and high schools after facilities study
Summary
Board members reviewed a CSG facilities report and an April demographic study and signaled consensus to pursue a combined middle/high campus while staff obtains Ed‑specs and refined cost estimates (including a cited $72 million preliminary figure for two new schools). No final vote was taken.
Patrick, a presenter for the facilities subcommittee, told the East Windsor Board of Education at a special meeting that the CSG facilities report and a SLAM demographic enrollment study showed building envelope issues (roofs, windows, floors) that would limit eligibility for HVAC grants and make piecemeal repairs costlier over time. "CSG indicated that a 'fix as we go' approach would be more expensive and continue to have issues," Patrick said, summarizing consultant findings.
The consultants presented six starting options earlier this year; the subcommittee recommended, and the board generally favored, pursuing a combined middle and high school campus with separate entrances and schedules while renovating the elementary school with a "renovate to new" approach. Board members said educational specifications should lead design choices so classrooms, shared facilities and program needs drive site and construction decisions.
"The overriding issue with all of this is what is best for our kids going forward," one board member said, urging the board to prioritize educational outcomes over short‑term savings. Board Chair Kate and Denise, the subcommittee chair, both participated in the discussion and supported asking CSG and architectural partners to return with clearer estimates and feasibility answers.
Members cited preliminary cost figures and financing concerns during the discussion. A number widely referenced in the meeting was roughly $72 million as a share estimate for building two new schools; the board agreed it needs the town to clarify bonding capacity before moving toward any referendum or commitment. Patrick said he will follow up with CSG and report back with Ed‑specs, site feasibility input and cost estimates at an upcoming meeting.
The board did not take a formal vote to approve a project or referendum at the special meeting. Instead, members agreed on next steps: refine Ed‑specs with district leadership, ask CSG (and, if needed, the architect) to provide more detailed cost estimates and site analysis, and return to the full board for a possible vote once that information is available.
Background: CSG delivered a facilities report in February and SLAM completed a demographic study in April 2024 that projected modest enrollment growth (about 100 additional K–2 students over 10 years). Consultants emphasized that state square‑footage standards affect maximum reimbursement and that speculative growth cannot be included in the study’s baseline.
