Submitted by Regional School District 17
(September 17, 2025) — The Regional School District 17 Board of Education extends its sincere appreciation to the members of the school community, as well as the residents of Haddam and Killingworth, for their ongoing support of the educational programs serving our students. Addressing the needs of the aging high school facility has been a top priority for the Board. Following several years of studies and recommendations, the Board was presented with a proposal involving new construction while retaining the existing pool, field house, and auditorium. This project was subsequently approved by the Board to proceed to a referendum scheduled for October 7, 2025.
Earlier this month, the Board identified certain technical issues related to the project’s bonding and referendum procedures. Given the proximity of upcoming elections and a deadline from the State to secure funding for the application that was submitted on June 30, 2025 the referendum timeline is not feasible at this time.
While the Board and the community are aligned on the need for substantial and urgent improvement of Haddam-Killingworth High School, it seems that community sentiment for the current proposed project presents more questions than answers about why, what, how, and at what cost to complete it. Therefore, the Board has, by not taking action to remedy the earlier mentioned technical issues, put the October 7, 2025 referendum on “hold.”
Because of the scope and urgency of the needs of the High School, the Board will re–engage with a plan to move forward. While the current proposal emphasized new construction as the solution to the high school’s needs, this pause affords the Board the opportunity to consider additional, alternative approaches.
Although the referendum is on hold, improvement to Haddam-Killingworth High School remains an urgent and significant priority. Work will continue diligently, with careful consideration of the community’s needs and preferences, recognizing that this project represents a substantial investment for the towns of Haddam and Killingworth.
We will communicate in the very near future with next steps and ways that the community can stay apprised of the Board’s effort and actions.
