East Windsor board votes to include fifth grade on combined middle–high campus, requires visible safeguards

The East Windsor Board of Education voted at its meeting to place fifth-grade students on the proposed combined middle–high school campus, with the board recording an expectation that the design include visible physical safeguards and scheduling measures to prevent intermingling between middle- and high-school students. The motion, introduced by Fran and seconded by Heather, passed with one member, Norine, opposing.

Board members and consultant CSG spent the bulk of the meeting debating how different facility scenarios would affect cafeterias, circulation and program space. CSG representatives Samantha and Jim said a common model is a single kitchen with two serveries — one configured for middle-school service and one for high school — and stressed that careful scheduling and circulation design can keep student populations separate while meeting state space standards.

The discussion centered on four questions: whether fifth grade should remain in the middle school footprint or move to the elementary school; how the choice affects required square footage; whether the Family/Child Resource Center (FFRC) can count toward state space calculations; and how the decision affects state reimbursement. CSG told the board it believed the district would be about 1,400 square feet short at one site option if fifth grade moved; the team also said it has asked the state whether FFRC space is creditable and was awaiting a reply. Consultant Jim summarized the reimbursement trade-off the district must show in its grant application: the state compares a renovate-as-new option to a new-build option when awarding aid and can require a new-build if that is less costly.

Several members urged more community outreach before a final decision. One member said they had spoken to multiple parents who were opposed to sending fifth graders to a campus that also houses older students; others said clearer messaging — emphasizing separate entrances, staggered schedules and locked access between wings — could mitigate concerns. Board members discussed quick options for community input, including a brief survey or an informational forum, and noted that some survey responses and physical submissions had already been collected for the project.

Despite the calls for broader input, the board moved to a streamlined motion and voted to keep fifth grade aligned with the middle school on the new campus, with the record noting an intent to require “visible barriers” and other safeguards to limit student interaction. For next steps, the board directed staff and the architect to produce conceptual designs that show physical separation and to return with cost implications and refined programming for public review.

The board’s decision does not finalize the campus design. Members and consultants repeatedly emphasized that architects must translate the board’s policy direction into floor plans and circulation that meet Connecticut space standards and the district’s program needs; those designs will be used for the grant application and for subsequent public engagement.