Alternative High School Program Now Moving to Sheehan

Starting next fall, students in Wallingford's alternative high school program will be attending classes at Sheehan High School.

The Wallingford Town Council voted 7-0 in favor of a Board of Education plan to lease out a the building at 43 Hall Ave. as the district's central office. This means the Board of Education staff — including Superintendent Sal Menzo and other administrators — will move out of their current office space at Sheehan by this summer.

In exchange of that, the alternatiive high school program housed at the 43 Hall Ave. building — known as the Hall Elton building — will switch places with central offiice staff and move in to Sheehan, school officials said.

There was little concern among the council members, who overall agreed with the idea of greater opportunities for the alternative education studies to be in an environment at Sheehan.

Menzo said the lease will remain in effect for five years at a cost of $79,365 each year.

Board of Education Chairman Roxane McKay said parents have supported the idea too, as there have also been discussions of having alternative education students participating in after school sports and clubs with the Sheehan students.

But, school officials have said the students will be set up away from the Sheehan students, although they will be able to utilize the same services.