Officials Gather To Celebrate $3.7 Million Grant For Ellington Schools

ELLINGTON, CT — State and local officials gathered at Center School Friday for a ceremony in recognition of the awarding of more than $3.7 million for HVAC work at three Ellington schools. Lt. Governor Susan Bysiewicz, First Selectman Lori Spielman, Rep. Jaime Foster, Sen. John Kissel, Board of Education chair Jennifer Dzen and Superintendent of Schools Scott Nicol were among those who took part in the event.

The town is slated to receive grants totaling $3,704,937.50 for work at the high school, middle school and Center School. The total cost of the projects is $6,736,250.

The grants are being awarded through the HVAC Indoor Air Quality Grants Program for Public Schools, a newly established state program administered by the Connecticut Department of Administrative Services. It was created as part of the budget adjustment bill that Gov. Ned Lamont signed into law in 2022.

These $56 million in grants represent the first round of funding released through this program. The initial round opened Sept. 14, 2022, and school districts seeking grants were required to submit applications to the state by Dec. 1, 2022. Municipalities are required to provide matching grants to fund the project costs, according to the governor's office.

Examples of eligible projects include:

• Replacing, upgrading, or repairing boilers and other heating and ventilation components;
• Replacing controls and technology systems related to HVAC operations;
• Installing or upgrading air conditioning or ventilation systems; and
• Other similar work approved by the commissioner of the Department of Administrative Services.

Highlights of the event are featured below.