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HADDAM-KILLINGWORTH — The Board of Education is debating how to spend hundreds of millions of dollars in repairs and upgrades for the district’s four schools — a plan which could include closures of the elementary school campuses and moving students into new or renovated buildings on consolidated campuses.

The goal of the master plan, which has been under discussion for over two years, is to update the infrastructure of the school district’s four buildings, which have an average age of 52 years. All the buildings except Haddam-Killingworth Intermediate Middle School are over half a century old.

A facilities assessment completed by the firm Tecton in 2021 estimated that — with state reimbursement — the district would still need to spend between $115 million and $120 million to make the necessary fixes to equipment and code upgrades for ADA accessibility to the schools. At a joint meeting of the towns and the Board of Education on Thursday, Jeff Wyszynski, principal-in-charge at Tecton, described several additional proposals that would further renovate the buildings or rebuild them from the ground up.

While the least expensive option would involve simply fixing the mechanical issues and making code upgrades, several people noted this would not include making improvements to the quality of the educational spaces. Wyszynski also estimated that the cost would likely be much higher with inflation, given that they would be replacing the equipment over a period of 30 years.

Renovating or rebuilding all four of the buildings is estimated to cost between $204 million and $231 million with state reimbursement. Another option would be to close one of the elementary schools and transition to a three-school configuration — a cost of $206 million with state reimbursement.

A fourth would move Burr Elementary to the high school campus and Killingworth Elementary to the middle school campus – a cost of about $215 million. The last option would create a two-school configuration, with pre-K through sixth grade at one school and seventh through 12th grade at another school, for a total of $146 million with state reimbursement.

Wyszynski said that the idea of a “modern” classroom would emphasize flexibility and open space, with a lot of natural light. These spaces would have access to functioning science labs, STEM resources and music programs.

“The quality of their space absolutely impacts their performance,” Wyszynski said.

Board of Education Chair Suzanne Sack said despite having hosted three “community conversations,” she did not feel the board received much feedback from the community.

“I don’t think it’s fair to say we have by and large community input on this,” Sack said.

A survey sent to community members found that 81 percent of the approximately 300 people who responded believed Haddam-Killingworth High School was the top priority for renovations. The high school has been cited by the national accrediting body for high schools for having old mechanical systems, a lack of compliance with the ADA and nonfunctioning science classrooms.

Board members said they still don’t know how the community would react to the idea of moving the elementary schools onto the secondary school campuses.

Kate Anderson said she believed parents would be open to the idea, particularly since the towns had lost a lot of recreational opportunities.

“I have found that most people are totally open to the idea of combining at that age,” she said.

But others expressed doubt.

Killingworth Board of Finance member Annie Stirna said she wanted to ensure that closing and consolidating schools wouldn’t mean that the district would sacrifice programming or educational excellence. She questioned how consolidating the elementary schools would improve educational outcomes.

“From my experience just with [Killingworth Elementary School], people are very happy in Killingworth with KES as a school and the teachers and the setup,” Stirna said. She added that the district needs to invest in the teachers and programs.

“If we don’t invest … in our educators and our staff and our paras, it doesn’t matter what the schools look like,” she said.

But Sack said she didn’t believe combining elementary schools would improve or worsen educational outcomes, and that investing in one didn’t prevent investment in the other. She also pointed out that any operational savings — like eliminating duplicative positions in administration — could be reinvested into education or returned to taxpayers.

Board of Education member Lisa Connelly said the plans that involved renovations or rebuilding would be an improvement to the current educational system.

Haddam Selectwoman Kate Anderson said having two schools rather than four could save money, because the overall cost of running the buildings would lessen over time.

Sack noted that the district saved $1.2 million when it closed Haddam Elementary School, most of which came from staffing. She said the plan reducing four schools to two would likely be the greatest cost-saver in the long run.

Wyszynski underscored that the master plan would be rolling out over a series of decades, so the costs presented would be subject to inflation.

Sack said she believes the community will ultimately settle on a price they are comfortable with and seek the design that best fits within that price.

“When you take $50 [million] or $80 million and add it onto the tax rolls of these two communities, I think it’s going to be a big impact,” Sack said.

Town officials and the Board of Finance plan to have another meeting on Nov. 2 to further discuss the options.

Emilia Otte covers health and education for the Connecticut Examiner. In 2022 Otte was awarded "Rookie of the Year," by the New England Newspaper & Press Association.

[email protected]

Jackie Vece lives in Beechwood Community Mobile Home Park in Killingworth. Residents here don’t own the land their houses are on.

The land is owned by Sun Communities, a billion-dollar, publicly traded real estate investment trust that is headquartered in Michigan.

So, when sewage begins to back up onto her property and at least 10 of her neighbors in the over 55 community, the landlords can appear to be hard to reach — and without a plan to make necessary repairs.

“Until our group got involved and started making all of this public, Sun would be telling people that you know it was their responsibility,” Vece said. “People have put out their own money to get the septic problems fixed.”

Many Beechwood residents live on fixed incomes and pay a monthly rental fee to keep their mobile homes on the property. Unlike the name suggests, many of the homes are immobile due to their age or were never designed to be relocated.

Vece said Sun Communities has also been increasing their land rent every year since they purchased Beechwood in 2019 — which means abandoning their homes due to infrastructure problems is a costly and unlikely situation.

“The land does not belong to us and is not our responsibility,” she added.

The residents and the state attorney general’s office have urged lawmakers to pass a bill to cap the amount of rent increases for mobile home parks in the state at 2.5%, to ensure residents on fixed incomes can afford to stay in their homes.

Attorney General William Tong submitted testimony to the state Housing Committee on Tuesday that residents at Beechwood are being treated unfairly.

“The rents are only going up dramatically, but the services have gone down,” Tong later told WSHU. “And so, you’ve got people who don’t have a lot of money, they don’t have the ability to pay for repairs out of pocket when they depend on Beechwood and Sun Communities to keep for example the septic system and the sewage system operational, and we’re hearing that sewage is backing up in people’s homes and it's very unsafe and unsanitary.”

Tong said his department will use the full weight of the law to make Sun Communities comply with their legal obligations to repair their property. In a letter to Sun Communities, Tong also cites state statutes requiring mobile home park management to maintain common areas in a “clean and safe condition” and the maintenance of water and sewer lines in “good working order.”

He has also referred complaints to the state Department of Consumer Protection, which handles inspections, licensing, and investigates complaints from mobile home park residents.

“One disabled resident complained of a large beehive in front of her porch. The management company said they did not have money in their budget to remove it. The tenant paid herself to get it removed,” Tong said in his testimony. “Another tenant complained that her stairs lacked rails and were loose. She reported that maintenance agreed they were dangerous, but management has yet to fix them.”

Sun Communities did not respond to requests for comment. The management company owns several properties in Connecticut, including Southington, Westbrook, Storrs, Uncasville, Old Mystic, and Danbury.

Nationally, private investors like Sun have purchased mobile home communities, “replacing local ownership and management with out-of-town corporate executives who report to boards of directors and shareholders,” Tong said in his testimony.

He said mobile home communities are supposed to be more affordable housing choices, particularly for low-income seniors.

HADDAMS-KILLINGWORTH, CT — Independence Day is quickly approaching, which means it's time to fire up that barbecue and find out what Fourth of July fireworks and festivities are going on in and around Haddams-Killingworth for 2023.

We gathered up all the fireworks shows, parades and festivals happening in and around Haddams-Killingworth so you can start planning now.

Here's what's in store this July 4 in and around Haddams-Killingworth:

Norwich Harbor Fireworks

What: The 2023 Norwich Harbor Fireworks will be cap off Rose Arts Weekend with a night of celebrating our country’s independence.

Where: Howard T. Brown Park, 100 Chelsea Harbor Drive, Norwich

When: Sunday, July 2, from 5 to 10 p.m.

More information: Go to Norwich Harbor Fireworks' Facebook page.

Groton Fourth of July Parade

What: This hometown event to celebrate America's independence brings together dozens of local businesses, civic, youth sports and other organizations for an old-fashioned parade with fire engines, marching bands and antique cars.

Where: Poquonnock Plains Park in Groton

When: Tuesday, July 4, at 10 a.m.

More information: Go to the Town of Groton's website.

Independence Day at Mystic Seaport Museum

What: Reenactors from several Connecticut and British Regiments will take over our quaint seaport town at Mystic Seaport Museum for a day. The museum invites you to witness what it was like to be a member of a Continental Regiment or British Regiment during these tumultuous times in American history.

Where: Village Green

When: Saturday, July 1, parade kicks off at noon

More information: Go to Mystic Seaport Museum's website.

Celebrate East Lyme 2023

What: Niantic’s Main Street will transform for this celebration by the sea, filled with food, fun, and activities. More than 200 vendors, live music, and a Dominion fireworks display over Niantic Bay.

Where: Main Street in Niantic

When: Saturday, July 15

More information: Go to Celebrate East Lyme's Facebook page.

Clinton Summerfest and Fireworks

What: Food, fun, beer garden, music, and fireworks.

Where: Andrews Memorial Town Hall and Clinton Town Beach

When: Saturday, Aug. 26, starting at 4 p.m., fireworks at 9 p.m.

More information: Go to Clinton Summerfest and Fireworks' Facebook page.

Sailfest New London

What: Sailfest is Southeastern Connecticut’s premiere summertime event, complete with a major fireworks display, amusement rides, free entertainment, ships, and over 200 vendors lining the streets.

When: Saturday, July 8, and Sunday, July 9

Where: Downtown New London

More information: Go to Sailfest New London's website.

A member of the boy scout troop in Haddam-Killingworth has earned the rank of eagle scout.

HADDAM-KILLINGWORTH, CT (WFSB) - A member of the boy scout troop in Haddam-Killingworth has earned the rank of eagle scout.

She is a high school senior whose journey to the rank started when she created her own path.

Georgia Brown is now the female eagle scout in a mostly boy scout troop.

It was a ceremony fitting for its purpose.

Georgia Brown said it was a journey that started with a simple desire and dogged determination.

“I can do this,” Georgia Brown said. “I’ve seen how much fun my older brother had.”

Georgia Brown used to be girl scout; but she opted out in 2019 to join the same boy scout troop of her older brother.

“They just kind of accepted me,” she said. “They would tease me because, you know, they were boys. It was mainly like they just saw me as my brother’s little sister. And when I joined, they just saw me as another scout.”

Her parents helped her navigate the unique transition after the governing body of the Boy Scouts of America made a rule change.

“In 2019, boy scouts allowed for girls to join BSA, scouts BSA, which is totally separate from Girl Scouts,” said Jason Brown, Georgia Brown’s father.

Her parents stood right be her side when she got her eagle scout badge.

“I’m very proud of her,” said Kathy Brown, Georgia Brown’s mother. “She definitely is an over-achiever. When she puts her mind to something she does it.”

The proof was on display at her pinning ceremony.

“Georgia joined Boy Scouts, not as a 5th grader when boys usually start, as an 8th grader, simply because that’s the earliest she could.

That made her journey to eagle scout a bit rushed.

“So, I had half the amount of time,” Georgia Brown explained. “Yeah, it was. It was a lot.”

Her project focused on helping the local food pantry, which included a drop box she made with help from her dad for non-perishable food pantry items, and covered picnic table.

It was a project she said that taught her how to lead.

“I’m not naturally a leader,” Georgia Brown said. “I can if I have to, but I’m not the one to volunteer for it. When I started it, I was like ‘this will be another project, but it became more than that,’ and I learned that I like doing things like this.”

The reluctant leader, now an eagle scout, helped changed her community and ended up bettering herself.

If you know of a great kid that we should know, email Channel 3′s Wendell Edwards at [email protected]

Copyright 2023 WFSB. All rights reserved.

Haddam-Killingworth High School Principal Donna Hayward is noted locally for being “truly a courageous leader.”

Now, she is known on a completely different level as the National Principal of the Year for 2023, so named by the National Association of Secondary School Principals.

Hayward has been at the helm of District 17’s high school for four years, and previously spent 10 years as an assistant and then principal at Rocky Hill High School and six years as principal at Suffield High School.

“Principal Hayward is a proven leader with an unwavering commitment to her students, families, and educators in her school and beyond,” said Ron Nozoe, CEO of the National Association of Secondary School Principals.

“Donna has innovated strategies to inspire a love of learning and a true sense of belonging in her students and staff. There is no doubt in my mind that Donna will represent the unique perspectives of school leaders and serve as a force to be reckoned with when advocating for the profession,” he said.

Hayward was earlier named Connecticut’s Principal of the Year last spring, which she called a “once in a lifetime honor.” In October, she was notified by Nozoe that she was one of three finalists for the national award. California and Texas administrators were the other two. The three were asked to come to Washington, D.C. to go through interviews and panel discussions with state departments of education.

“Then, we were all sent home, and didn’t know the outcome,” Hayward said. “All 50 principals came back for the national celebration, which happened to be Veterans Day weekend. The celebration is a very formal gala… at the end of the dinner they made the announcement that I was the national winner. It was stunning… kind of surreal.”

“Donna is truly a courageous leader,” said Jeffrey Wihbey, Regional School District 17 Superintendent of Schools. “She always leads with children’s best interests at heart, and is never afraid to advocate for student-centered decisions.”

The national title’s written application process included approximately a dozen essays, covering topics including school security, student voice, raising academic achievement, human resources management, equitable division of resources, and other topics. In the interviews, they asked data-driven questions around those topics.

While the writing and interviews were grueling, Hayward said she also found it enjoyable, because there was nothing she didn’t know how to answer.

“I’ve been doing this my whole life. This is my profession. I know what I think about these topics. I know what my experience is. They’re not asking me anything I don’t know. I just have to express myself and tell my story,” she said.

The honor comes with the new job of being a national spokesperson for principals everywhere. She spoke with Education Secretary Miguel Cardona, who she has known for years, and he told her that he is looking to elevate principals’ voices.

“There are 100,000 principals across the United States, and someone has to speak for them,” she said. “He told me, ‘Think about what you’re passionate about, Donna, because I’m going to be looking to you to tell your story.'”

Hayward said there are many things that make her feel like she’s successful at her job, including visits from grads who talk about their successes, or when she sees new teachers find their successes. Naturally, when school test scores go up, she is happy, but she’s more concerned with the overall school culture, and when students make a positive impact in the community.

Going forward, Hayward said she hopes to use her new platform to help with the challenges educators are facing, including the lingering effects of the pandemic and unfavorable perceptions of educators.

“Educators were on the front line. Schools had to figure out how to ‘do school’ differently than we’ve ever done it before,” she said. “The post-COVID effects are numerous. Among them are, we no longer have subs. A lot of our sub pool was retired teachers. That’s the population that was the most afraid of COVID.”

While post-COVID effects are still being felt in many industries, some media outlets, she said, aren’t helping with people’s perceptions of educators.

“Some of our news channels have segments called ‘The Trouble With Schools’ or ‘Crisis in the Classroom,'” she said. “I don’t hear ‘Crisis in the Dentist’s Chair’ or ‘Trouble with Your Accountant.’ I do feel like sometimes the media has been negative about educators and education, and social media is a real issue. Anybody can say anything, anytime, about anyone. I’ve been a victim of it, we’ve all been victims of it.”

Hayward said she’s delighted that schools are open, and people are attending events. Kids are going to dances, games, and other events, so there is a great deal of positivity on which to build as well.

She said she is “incredibly humbled” to receive this honor and hopes to make the most of the opportunity to make positive change.

“I am beyond humbled,” Hayward said. “I feel a tremendous responsibility to speak for principals across the country. That’s a responsibility I take seriously.”