LETTER: Why I Cannot Support the Elementary School Facilities Plan
- Dawn Derynoski-Anastasio
- 4 hours ago
- 2 min read
The elementary facilities plan is an ambitious proposal to rebuild schools that could cost local taxpayers more than $100 million dollars. When accounting for possible cost overruns and inflation, the impact on local taxes may be even greater. This proposal is complicated and contains numerous uncertainties.
Having been elected just three and a half months ago, I have worked very hard to get caught up to speed on decisions and discussions that took place over the past two years, before I recently rejoined the Board of Education. This is why I have several concerns that prevented me from voting yes this evening.
First, I strongly support the concept of small neighborhood schools. Closing Flanders elementary school while expanding Kelley elementary school and creating an even larger South End elementary school moves us away from that model.
Second, abandoning a well-constructed brick school in the center of town presents a significant concern. As a Board of Education member, I have never received complaints about Derynoski elementary school. Building a new school behind the existing site raises additional questions and concerns. As a lifelong resident of Southington, I have heard that the property may have a high water table that could make construction challenging. I do not know if that is accurate, but it is an uncertainty that deserves clarity.
Let me be clear: I support rebuilding Flanders and Kelley elementary schools. However, I do not support constructing larger elementary schools that fail to preserve the advantages of smaller neighborhood schools. Southington already has a large high school and two very large middle schools.
Modern and well-maintained schools are essential for a thriving community. I would support a plan to rebuild Flanders now if one were presented. Unfortunately, the option before us does not allow for that. I support upgrading Kelley, but not in a way that closes Flanders, increases busing times, eliminates walkability, and leaves major unanswered questions about the future of the Derynoski and Flanders properties.
What happens to the existing Derynoski building? Will the Main Street school be demolished or sold for private development? What becomes of the 17 acres of Flanders property? These questions remain unanswered. Prior to proceeding, it is important to ensure meaningful community outreach and dialogue, enabling the Board of Education to clearly and effectively communicate its vision regarding these properties to both municipal leaders and residents.
For these reasons, I cannot support the plan as presented tonight.
I understand that voting against the majority on an issue like this can be politically difficult. My responsibility, however, is to vote on what I believe is best for the children of the Southington Public School system. I hope my colleagues will respect that position and avoid unnecessary political attacks and division.
I want to thank the many residents who have reached out to share their perspectives. Their input reflects a deep commitment to our schools, our children, and the dedicated staff who serve them every day.
Sincerely,
Dawn Derynoski-Anastasio
Note: The author is a current member of the Southington Board of Education. Any opinions expressed in the Letter are not necessarily those of the Southington Outsider.
