Southington to Hold $104.3M School Plan Hearing on March 23

Southington Sets March 23 Public Hearing on School Facilities Plan

Southington residents will have a chance to weigh in on a $104.3 million school construction proposal at a public hearing set for March 23, 2026. An optional second session is scheduled for April 6 or April 27 if additional public comment is needed. The hearing comes as the town advances a two-phase elementary school rebuilding plan toward a June 2026 referendum.

The proposal would close Flanders Elementary School — the district's smallest by enrollment — and construct a new Kelley Elementary School while expanding South End Elementary in the first phase. A second phase would replace Derynoski Elementary School and relocate Karen Smith Academy. The remaining seven elementary schools in the district would be redistricted under the plan.

How the Plan Advanced in Southington

The Southington Board of Education voted 8-1 on February 19, 2026, to advance the Districtwide Facilities Committee's master plan. Board member Dawn Derynoski-Anastasio cast the lone dissenting vote. The vote authorized the project to move toward a public referendum.

The Southington Town Council subsequently voted 6-3 along party lines to push the project forward, with all six Republicans on the council in favor and all three Democrats opposed. The split vote reflects the political divide over the scope and cost of the facilities overhaul.

A representative from MP Planning Group, the planning firm advising the town, delivered a presentation to the Town Council that mirrored an earlier presentation made to the Board of Education.

Breaking Down the $104.3 Million Price Tag

The total estimated district share of $104.3 million is divided across two phases:

• Phase 1: $43.9 million for construction of a new Kelley Elementary School and an expansion of South End Elementary School
• Phase 2: $60.5 million for a new Derynoski Elementary School and relocation of Karen Smith Academy

Phase 1 costs are subject to a June 2026 referendum, where Southington voters would approve or reject that portion of the funding. A separate Phase 2 referendum would be scheduled at a later date, contingent on the outcome of the first vote.

If voters approve Phase 1 in June, construction on the new Kelley Elementary and the South End expansion would proceed. The closure of Flanders Elementary and district-wide redistricting would follow, with facility consolidation targeted for fall 2030. A state space waiver decision related to the project is anticipated by spring 2027.

Why Flanders Is Being Closed

Planners say the district's elementary school portfolio needs to be "right-sized" to match declining enrollment. Flanders Elementary has the smallest student population among the district's elementary schools, making it the primary target for consolidation under the proposal.

The plan would reduce the number of elementary buildings while modernizing aging facilities. Supporters say consolidation improves cost efficiency and creates more equitable learning environments. Critics at the February hearing raised concerns about the impact on students who attend Flanders, potential class size increases, and the long-term costs of the building program.

Community Response

Public sentiment has been divided at community meetings held earlier this year. Some residents have opposed the closure of Flanders, arguing it disrupts established school communities and could disadvantage affected students. Others have supported the modernization plan, citing the need to update aging buildings and the long-term cost savings of operating fewer, newer facilities.

The March 23 public hearing will give residents a formal opportunity to address the Town Council before a final vote on placing the project before voters in June.

What Happens Next

Following the public hearing, the project moves toward the June 2026 referendum. Residents should check the Town of Southington's official website or the Southington Board of Education for details on the hearing location, time, and agenda.

If Phase 1 is approved at referendum, construction is expected to begin on the new Kelley Elementary School and the South End expansion, with the broader district redistricting and Flanders closure to follow in the years ahead.

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