The superintendent recently announced the school, with over 100 years of history, is set to close at the end of the current school year.
RJ Scofield, Patch Staff
NAUGATUCK, CT — A Naugatuck elementary school with over 100 years of history is set to close at the end of the current school year due to "significant budget constraints" impacting the district, according to a recent letter from Superintendent of Schools Christopher Montini.
In a letter sent out to families on Feb. 28, Montini said he and the Board of Education had determined Salem Elementary School must close at the end of the 2024-2025 school year, a decision he noted was not made lightly.
"This decision comes after a thorough review of our financial situation," Montini said in the letter. "Despite our best efforts to identify alternative solutions, the significant budget shortfalls for the 2025-2026 school year leave us no choice but to consolidate resources."
Montini also noted he and members of the school board fully understood the impact the closure will have on the school's students, families and dedicated staff.
"Please be assured that we are committed to supporting everyone affected by this change," Montini said. "In the coming months, we will work closely with you to facilitate a smooth transition for our students, including assistance with school reassignments, counseling services and other necessary support measures."
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An informational meeting about the closure was held March 10 at Naugatuck High School, which Montini noted would be "the first of a number of meetings to answer questions and provide information" as it becomes available.
Recently, a proposed $73.5 million budget for the 2025-2026 school year, which included the closure of Salem, was approved by the Board of Education, CT Insider reports. The school board will present the budget to borough officials Monday night at Town Hall.
In addition to Salem, the district operates four other elementary schools in Naugatuck: Andrew Avenue, Maple Hill, Hop Brook and Western.
According to CT Insider, the plan for closing Salem calls for the district to broken into four quadrants, under which Andrew Avenue would gain nine students, Maple Hill would gain 48, Hop Brook would gain 50 and Western would gain 113. Additional teachers would also be added at three of the schools.
In a series of in-depth frequently asked questions posted to the district website, officials noted the decision to close Salem as a cost-saving measure is expected to save approximately $850,000.
"It is also a measure to preserve class size," district officials wrote, "2025-2026 elementary class sizes...are maintained better through the closure than reducing teaching positions at each school."
Officials also noted while the decision to close Salem "was primarily financial," declining enrollment has been an ongoing trend and is projected to continue in the coming years.
"Additionally, Salem, our oldest school built in 1893, is not ADA accessible and falls short in cafeteria, gymnasium and outdoor space compared to our other elementary schools," district officials wrote.
They also noted the closure will return many of the district's other elementary schools to enrollment consistent with enrollment sizes from years ago.
"Western, Hop Brook and Maple were built to house more students," district officials wrote. "In some cases, we may repurpose classrooms currently used for music and art to general education classrooms, however art and music classes will remain."
No other schools in Naugatuck are being considered for closure at this time, district officials noted.
According to Montini, Salem Elementary is a cornerstone of downtown Naugatuck that has served students and other members of the community for 132 years.
"Salem School, like all of our elementary schools, is a special place, not because of its walls or architecture or its decor or prominent locale on the green," Montini said, "but because of the students, staff, parents, and community members who partner to create exceptional educational experiences.
Montini also noted members of the Salem community will carry this history and experience with them as they move to their new elementary schools in the 2025-2026 school year.
"While there will be many changes," Montini said, "what will not change are the exceptional educational experiences, safe and supportive learning environment and positive culture present in all of our elementary schools."
Read the full CT Insider story here.
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