The potential new construction project at Hillcrest Middle School is entering an important phase. This project calls for a brand new, 21st century, Middle School for 826 students. Below is a timeline of key events that have taken place so far. Our website has a section dedicated to our Facilities Master Plan that includes a great deal of information. Since there is so much information on this website, I would direct you to the following presentations:
Conditions Assessment and Master Plan - This is a lengthy document that outlines all schools. The conditions assessment of Hillcrest begins on page 247.
Board of Education Summary Presentation TPS Master Plan - This is a solid presentation that gives you a good understanding of our process and why Hillcrest was selected as the first project.
Board of Education Presentation - This presentation outlines the Educational Specifications for the new Hillcrest building.
While new buildings are expensive, we were thrilled that the legislative session ending on May 8, 2024, specifically identified a 44% (instead of 24.29%) reimbursement rate for our Hillcrest Project. This means that Trumbull taxpayers would be responsible for $81.7 million of the $142 million project. A future update will share how the project would impact typical homeowners’ tax responsibility.
This project, if approved at referendum, will replace the current Hillcrest building that was built in 1966. Among other factors, new schools offer instructional spaces designed for today’s instructional strategies; improved indoor air-quality; enhanced school security measures; ADA compliance; modern technology; safer traffic pattern designs; more efficient utilities (potentially net zero); more natural light; and an environmentally conscious design.
The at-large community will benefit as well. The quality of our schools is a major driver for those seeking to own a home in Trumbull. The desirability of Trumbull home ownership protects property values. In addition, our schools are used a great deal by Trumbull programs like Parks and Recreation and Community and Youth Theatre programs. We also house our Continuing Education courses within our schools. The entire community would benefit from an additional building that is ADA compliant with climate-controlled spaces.
We are anticipating that the Town Council will set the referendum date for November 5, 2024!!
TIMELINE – KEY EVENTS
August 15, 2022
Tecton Architects Commissioned to complete Educational Facilities Assessment
November 17, 2022, February 2, 2023, March 22, 2023, April 26, 2023
Community Conversations #1-#4 throughout the community to gather input and share information
August 15, 2023
BOE Adopts TPS Master Plan
March 26, 2024
BOE approves Educational Specifications for new Hillcrest Building
May 8, 2024
Legislation is passed increasing Trumbull reimbursement rate for Hillcrest new construction from 24.29% to 44%
June 27, 2024
Application for new Hillcrest project submitted to State of CT
November 5, 2024
Anticipated Referendum on Hillcrest Project
Each year I work with multiple teams of administrators, teacher leaders, and classroom teachers to develop a set of district goals for the coming school year. Our BOE members are instrumental in the development of these goals as they provide feedback throughout the year on our progress. The BOE formally adopted these goals at the July 9, 2024 BOE meeting. Our school leaders, in conjunction with their leadership teams, develop School Improvement Plans based on the District Goals and school-level data. Many of our district goals build on previous goals and we gain excellent momentum as the entire district pushes in the same direction to help ensure that all students PK – 12 (ages 3-22) achieve maximum benefits from a rigorous and caring school district. As a reminder, my team and I will provide updates at both the Mid-Year and End-of-Year on each of these goals. I have also included a link to our End-of-Year Update for your reading pleasure.
District Improvement Plan – 2024-2025