The views stated here are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of the editors of this newspaper. We welcome supporting or opposing views on any published item. Received September 9, 2026.
The RSD 17 community has another important decision on September 24, 2026: the referendum on the HKHS Renovation Project. This is separate from the operating budget referendum passed on August 25, 2026 and there is an important distinction between the two. This is not a budget vote where a “No” sends the numbers back for another round of reductions and another vote. This is a one-time decision on the proposed renovation. If it passes, the District can move forward with a comprehensive renovation designed to bring HKHS to a Renovated-As-New condition while taking advantage of substantial reimbursement from the State of Connecticut.
If it fails, the needs of the building don’t disappear. We will still have to repair and replace aging systems as they fail, develop individual projects, seek bonding authorization, absorb less-predictable capital expenses, and potentially receive less state reimbursement along the way. Years of planning, study, engineering, financial analysis and work to secure state support have gone into bringing this proposal before the voters. Unfortunately, much of that work, and notably the state support, is lost if it fails this referendum.
One argument I hear frequently is that a project of this size cannot benefit only students; that it should provide something to the broader community as well. It does. The most obvious one has already been discussed extensively. Our schools are among the most important public assets in Haddam and Killingworth. As two largely residential towns with limited commercial development, the quality of our schools plays a significant role in attracting families, supporting demand for homes, and contributing to property values.
But there are also more direct benefits to residents. During the planning process, the community expressed a strong desire to retain HKHS’s Tech-Ed facilities, auditorium, field house, pool, and other specialized spaces. The proposed renovation does that, and many of these facilities serve the community as well as students.
The Automotive and Small-Engine programs provide students with real-world experience while completing community-oriented projects. That experience can be from residents’ cars or equipment, saving a resident money on repairs. This experience and opportunity get formalized with Project Lead the Way.
The Wood Shop has similar potential. These programs teach practical skills while creating opportunities for students to work on meaningful projects that can benefit local residents and organizations. The pool, track and athletic facilities are yet more examples. Very few public high schools have a facility like ours, and residents already have opportunities to use them through programs offered by the HK Recreation Department. The auditorium gives residents the chance to attend performances by our drama and music programs. Each year, our students put on productions that showcase an incredible amount of talent and hard work.
HKHS also has historically operated a restaurant through its Culinary Arts program. When I was a student, residents and students could stop in for anything from an egg sandwich to a sit-down meal. The program is not currently operating as it once did, but the renovation creates an opportunity to restore and strengthen spaces like this.
The larger point? Students do receive the greatest benefit from investing in their school, but residents also benefit directly through its programs and facilities and indirectly through the role a strong school system plays in keeping Haddam and Killingworth desirable places to live. None of this means we should ignore the financial impact of the project. The tax impact is real, and residents have every right to consider it carefully.
The project before us offers predictability, stability and a known result if it passes. If it doesn’t, we will still spend a similar amount of money, but with a far less certain outcome. That is why this referendum deserves careful consideration. The proposal before us is the product of years of study and planning. It attempts to balance the physical needs of the high school, the financial realities facing taxpayers, the facilities and programs the community has said it wants to preserve, and the educational opportunities we want to provide for future generations.
HKHS helped provide the foundation for my future and many others. I moved back so my kids got that same foundation, and to contribute to sustaining it. Today we have the opportunity to decide what kind of foundation we want it to provide for the students—and the community—who comes after us. Please carefully consider all aspects of the HKHS Renovation Project when you vote on September 24th.
Jeff Sturges, Haddam
