Town Council 03/23/2026

The Town Council of Southington held a public hearing on March 23, 2026, to discuss a proposed ordinance appropriating $86,675,560 in bonds and notes to finance an elementary facilities plan. The plan includes constructing a new Kelly Elementary School, expanding South End Elementary School, closing Flanders Elementary School, and repurposing the Flanders building for municipal and community use. The hearing featured extensive public input both in support of and opposition to the project, with concerns raised about the financial impact on taxpayers, school redistricting, class sizes, and the condition of existing school facilities. The superintendent provided detailed explanations about the project scope, state reimbursement opportunities (up to 65%), and the rationale behind school closures and redistricting timelines. No final decision was made at the meeting; the council will later decide whether to send the proposal to a referendum, likely in June 2026, to secure state funding and move forward with the project. The discussion emphasized the balance between fiscal responsibility, educational facility modernization, and community impact.