Modern, functional schools with all the benefits of new technology are wonderful, but I have always argued that the educators and support staff inside our schools matter far more than the condition of the buildings themselves. That being said, we are reaching a point in Naugatuck where we cannot ignore the decaying condition of our school facilities and the failure to maintain the expensive investments that we have made over the years. 

Shortly before the renovation to Naugatuck High School, a Long Term School Facility Planning Committee (“LTSFPC”) was formed to create a comprehensive plan for the future of our school buildings. The committee was chaired by Attorney Pete Hess, who is now our mayor. Phase II of the LTSFPC was the construction of a new 5-8, two campus intermediate and middle school at the current Cross Street location. 

Unfortunately timing and finances put this phase and additional plans on hold. Naugatuck faced implementation of a revaluation of property, the first since the Great Recession which devasted the national housing market. While property assessments dropped for many residents, the mill rate spiked to adjust for the loss in value. Commercial property owners suffered as assessments were determined by an income generating approach commonly used in the financial sector. Major school improvement typically requires bonding, and approval for this is by public referendum. Given the impact to many resident’s tax bills, Naugatuck was in no position to approve major capital improvements at the ballot box.

I completely approve of Mayor Hess’ vision to renew school facility renovations after we begin economic development efforts. For the past 10 years Mayor Hess has strategically focused revitalization initiatives like no mayor in our history. Under his leadership, Naugatuck has commitments from the private sector to finally redevelop downtown Parcels A & B, build a third industrial park on the former Uniroyal Chemical site, partner with the City of Waterbury to bring an enormous Amazon distribution facility to a shared parcel near our existing parks and potentially have Naugatuck designated as in inland port given its location along a freight rail line. The completion of these projects will not only boost the Borough’s tax revenue, but will change the image, perception and economic viability of our community. The time is right to revisit the complimentary component of making sure our children our educated in modern, vibrant educational facilities.

Time has not been kind to our aging schools, particularly our middle school, City Hill. Being on the BoE facilities committee the past two years has been eye-opening about the needs and limitations of our school buildings. The time has never been as critical to renew the plans of our LTSFPC. While some tweaks are necessary, the fundamental thoughts behind the original plan are still relevant. Closing Salem School was traumatic for many in our community, and being proactive rather than reactive was the reason the LTSFPC was originally formed. 

Our students, families, educators and support staff all deserve to spend their school day in first class, modern facilities like NHS. Let’s reengage our stakeholders to make this happen.