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CTECS Seeks $150M+ for New Windham Tech, Cites Demand and Facility Constraints
Summary
The Connecticut Technical Education and Career System (CTECS) told lawmakers the governor's budget includes $150 million toward a new Windham Tech and additional funds for Goodwin Tech and equipment; CTECS said demand (9,000 applicants for 3,500 slots) outstrips capacity and that a Mansfield relocation could expand programs and enrollment.
Dr. Alice Pritchard, executive director of the Connecticut Technical Education and Career System, presented capital needs for the state’s 20‑school career and technical network, including a governor’s budget item of $150,000,000 for a new Windham Technical High School (additional request brings total to about $263.7M for the project), $35,000,000 for Goodwin Tech projects in New Britain, $30,000,000 for facility upgrades and equipment, and $8,000,000 for IT including Chromebooks for incoming students.
Pritchard said Windham Tech sits on a small parcel in Willimantic and that relocation to a larger Mansfield site (state‑owned acreage near the old prison site) would allow the creation of more trade shops, athletic fields and capacity to add several hundred students; current enrollment at Windham is roughly 500–530 students and the program could expand to 800–1,000 with a new campus and new trade areas (for example, diesel technology).
CTECS staff said the system faces a backlog of advanced‑manufacturing replacement equipment (~$17,000,000) dating to FY22 and that timing of state allocations matters because summer and fall planning cycles are critical for school repairs and equipment deployment. Committee members asked about partnerships with employers and municipal impacts of relocating Windham Tech; CTECS said it maintains active industry advisory committees and is pursuing local engagement to keep services in Willimantic while expanding a new Mansfield campus.
Next steps: CTECS will refine site planning and continue coordination with DAS and the Legislature for allocation and design work.
