Locals React to Failure of School Rebuilding Proposal
A clear majority of Southington residents voted ‘no’ on a referendum question that would have led to the closure of Flanders Elementary School, the rebuilding of Kelley and the expansion of South End.
Official results show that there were 10,531 ‘no’ votes to 9,432 ‘yes’ votes.
The precincts with the highest number of ‘yes’ votes were the polling stations at Kelley and Oshana Elementary Schools. The other polling stations all reported more ‘no’ than ‘yes’ votes.
One factor behind the ‘no’ votes may have been the price tag included in the referendum question. “Shall the town of Southington appropriate $86,675,560 for costs related to the Elementary Facilities Plan, including a new Kelley Elementary School, a fit out of the South End Elementary School, and closing Flanders Elementary School and repurposing the building and property for municipal and community use, and authorize the issue of $86,675,560 bonds and notes to finance the appropriation?” read the text of the question on this year’s ballot.
Seth Korn, a parent of two Kelley students, was disappointed by the results, but said he hopes the community can find ways to unite and prioritize the best interests of local students.
“While yesterday’s referendum outcome wasn't what we hoped for, we ask our entire community and leadership to remain focused and engaged in the process to ensure our students, educators, and families have safe, modern and equitable places to learn,” said Korn.
Megan Mele, who had advocated for a ‘yes’ vote, likewise urged the community to move forward together. “While I am naturally disappointed in the outcome of the Southington Elementary School referendum,” she wrote, “I hold deep respect for the democratic process and the collective decision of our town. More than ever, it is imperative we engage in focused, constructive, and urgent dialogue to identify a viable path forward without unnecessary delay. Ultimately, our shared priority and responsibility remain unchanged – ensuring all Southington children have the opportunity to learn in safe, modernized educational spaces. I remain optimistic that we can find a solution that moves our community forward with unity.”
Annie Wellington, another supporter of the proposal, expressed frustration with the way the campaign played out. “Going into Election Day," she wrote, "I was hopeful for the referendum vote because it was an opportunity for Southington voters to invest in the future of our schools and our students. As the election results were published Wednesday morning, it was disappointing to see that this town did not support the needs of our schools. Instead, the emotional, nostalgic pleas alongside the frustration with reevaluation... were used against the smallest residents in our community. What will it take for our schools to be a priority? How much needs to be invested in aged, decrepit infrastructure in our school system before we realize this is an ongoing money pit? How do we look at the students who are in Kelley and Flanders and tell them they don’t deserve a modernized facility like their peers?”
Shama Greene is a local parent and educator who had been active in encouraging Southington to vote against the referendum. She said the result of the election should be taken as a sign that the community should be more involved in the decision-making regarding schools, and taxpayers should be more educated about a plan that uses their money.
“I'm encouraged by the outcome, and I hope our elected officials see this as an opportunity, not a setback,” said Greene. “A ‘no’ vote doesn't mean we don't want our schools improved. It means we want to take another look, explore the options, and develop a plan that works for the entire district. I hope the community will now have a meaningful seat at the table and that we can move forward together with transparency, better communication, and a complete financial picture. Our kids deserve great schools, and taxpayers deserve a plan they can feel confident supporting."
Town officials and administrators, who had been nearly unanimous in their support for the proposal, expressed determination to move forward. Superintendent Steve Madancy wrote that “our responsibility to our students and community remains unchanged. While the voters have spoken on this specific plan, the challenges facing our aging facilities and the need for modern, safe learning environments have not vanished. We listen, we respect the voice of taxpayers, and we will take this feedback to re-evaluate our path forward together.”
Town Council Chair Paul Chaplinsky played a key role in getting the Republican caucus to support the project. He said any future plans regarding remodeling schools will be up to the Board of Education.
“The residents' voices were heard, and the elected boards will need to find alternate proposals to address the pressing capital needs of the schools and the students. The Board of Education will need to lead this and determine what the next steps are after the failed referendum, if any,” said Chaplinsky.
Board of Education member Colleen Clark also expressed a mix of disappointment and determination: “Having worked on this issue for many years, I am personally disappointed on the voting results. But seeing as the voters have spoken, I’m willing to start work again towards finding solutions that will address our facilities issues for now and in the future.”
