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Suffield Board of Education pauses feedback on middle school project after soil, structural findings
Summary
At a June 26 special meeting, the Suffield Board of Education received an update that preliminary structural and geotechnical testing has prompted cancellation of upcoming Permanent Building Committee and Tri-Board meetings; the board postponed formal input while further investigation proceeds.
The Suffield Board of Education received an update June 26 on the Suffield Middle School Building Project after preliminary structural and geotechnical testing revealed issues that require further study. Board Chair Maureen Sattan called the special meeting to order at 12:03 p.m. and the update prompted cancellation of the upcoming Permanent Building Committee and July Tri-Board meetings.
The board was told initial soil testing identified challenges that could require a reorientation of the project, though the committee presenting the update indicated the findings are not expected to have a significant effect on the overall plan. The board agreed to postpone providing formal BOE feedback until additional investigation and analysis are completed.
The discussion clarified the separate roles of town bodies in the project: the Suffield Board of Education will recommend the educational specifications for any new building, the Board of Finance is responsible for developing a funding plan, and the Board of Selectmen will determine whether the project proceeds to a public referendum. Superintendent Matt Dunbar and Business Manager Eric Remington were present for the update and answered procedural questions from board members.
Board members asked staff to examine alternative sites, explicitly mentioning Bruce Park as one option under consideration. Members also pressed for more information about the potential risks, additional costs, schedule impacts and the extent of student displacement that might result from renovating the existing middle school rather than building at a new site.
There were no formal votes on project direction at the special meeting. The session ended with a procedural motion: Chair Maureen Sattan moved to adjourn, Debra Dudack seconded, and the motion carried with all members voting in favor. The meeting adjourned at 12:22 p.m. Minutes are subject to approval at the regular Board of Education meeting on July 13, 2026.
