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 22, 2026.
I am writing in support of the high school building project to be voted on this Thursday, September 24. The proposed Renovate-as-New project has a total estimated cost of $151.9 million. The District will receive approximately $74.8 million from the State of Connecticut, leaving approximately $77.2 million to be paid through District borrowing.
This project will replace aging heating, cooling, electrical, and other building systems would be replaced or upgraded. Windows, insulation, roofing, doors, and other parts of the building will be improved to increase energy efficiency.
The project would also improve security, add two elevators, create accessible pathways throughout the campus, and modernize classrooms, science labs, technical education areas, and other instructional spaces.
The District has also received special state approval (Space Waiver) to preserve and renovate existing spaces, including the auditorium, pool, field house, and technical education areas. These approvals matter because HKHS is larger than the state would normally allow when calculating financial assistance for school construction projects.
There is no guarantee that a future project would receive the same funding or special approvals. Without comparable state assistance, taxpayers could be responsible for a larger share of future construction and repair costs.
The question is whether we make that investment now, with substantial state funding and a comprehensive plan that addresses the building’s needs, or face years of costly repairs with no certainty about the final cost or what we will have to show for it.
Major repairs are needed regardless of the vote.
YES vote offers an opportunity to address these needs while protecting our community’s investment in our schools. I encourage Haddam and Killingworth residents to carefully consider the financial implications of both approaches and make their voices heard by voting YES at the referendum this Thursday, September 24.
Joan Gay, Killingworth
