Ellington Voters Approve Windermere Renovate-To-New Project

ELLINGTON, CT — Voters in Ellington overwhelmingly approved a proposal for a renovate-to-new project at the Windermere Elementary School. Nearly 75 percent of those who turned out were in favor of the project, with 630 votes for and 223 against.

The $61 million project, which carries an expected reimbursement rate of 55.36 percent from the state, has been in discussion for quite some time. In August 2021, the Ellington Board of Education re-engaged with an architecture firm to update cost estimates, and also secured a new enrollment demographic study.

The enrollment study justified planning for a project with 739 students at Windermere. The board was in agreement with moving forward with a similar project concept as it was previously approved—a roughly 38,000 square-foot addition and renovation, and demolition of portions of the existing building.

In addition to educational issues of a building designed in the mid-20th century, the district has dealt with challenges associated with an aging facility for several years. The roof in some areas of the building is close to 30 years old and has been patched several times. Some boiler systems are the same age and have had to be taken offline due to their condition. Original building materials also raise environmental concerns if any smaller year-to-year renovations are needed.

'We are truly excited that the residents of Ellington came out to support the project," board chair Jennifer Dzen said. "This project has been in the works for several years but ultimately any delay was worth getting it correct, as the project is a long-term investment for the school and community."

Superintendent of Schools Scott Nicol said, "This project concept addresses the educational needs of Windermere School, turning it into a modern school environment, while also addressing the broader growth we expect to see in elementary enrollment."

"While it took some time to get the Windermere building project to referendum, I am proud of the
careful work this Board of Education and administration accomplished," operations committee chair Kerry Socha said. "It is an exciting time for the Ellington community as it embarks on this important project. [Tuesday's] vote was not only a vote to build/renovate a new school, it was a vote to reinvest in our town and continue to move forward."

Principal Jennifer Hill said, "Our school and Windermere community are overjoyed that the project will be moving forward. Our children will thrive in an updated facility that fits the needs of all our learners. The project will allow for our school to grow to fit the physical demands of growing classrooms, but also provide flexible learning environments that continue to do what's right and best for students."

"We look forward to working with the Permanent Building Committee as the design of the new
school takes shape," Director of Finance and Operations Brian Greenleaf said. "We’ll look at ways to value-engineer the project and save money where possible, but ultimately we’re going to advocate for the best project for the town. The building will stand for another 60 years, and we’re going to make sure future generations of Ellington children benefit from what we do now."

The Board of Education will complete its Educational Specifications and submit the project to
the Office of School Construction Grants by June 30, 2022. Project funding and design work will
begin in 2023. Construction is anticipated to begin in 2024, with final completion projected for
2026