Wolcott Public Schools Modernization Referendum information and final results
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Overview Projects FAQ Documents Results Official Referendum

Referendum results for Wolcott Public Schools modernization

Final vote totals: YES - 990; NO - 242. The project package was approved by the Wolcott community.

See final results Review the 5 projects
State support About 65%
Projects proposed 5 district needs
Voting location Wolcott High School

At a glance

Referendum approved

Voters approved the modernization referendum by a margin of 748 votes.

Wolcott Public Schools banner
Final result Approved
Yes votes 990
No votes 242
Estimated net cost to Wolcott taxpayers $0.00

Purpose & values

Purpose & Values: Wolcott School Modernization Committee

Our purpose is to educate, empower, and engage the Wolcott community with accurate, transparent information about the approved modernization package.

Our purpose

  • ✔
    Educate every household.

    Our goal is to reach every community member and ensure residents understand what was approved, why it mattered, and what comes next for Wolcott Public Schools.

  • ✔
    Empower the community.

    To educate all registered voters on the critical safety impact of these projects, and the potential of missing this window for approximately $3.8 million in State Grant funding.

  • ✔
    Fact-based communication.

    To provide meaningful, fact-based information regarding the five proposed projects, ensuring that community members and parents can engage in accurate conversations and make informed decisions when voting.

Our values

  • ★
    Transparency.

    We are committed to ensuring that all information regarding project costs, engineering estimates from firms like Colliers International, and potential tax impacts are fully transparent to the public.

  • ★
    Community engagement.

    We believe in actively engaging the community throughout the process. Through learning sessions and updates, we aim to keep the community involved and up to date on the status of our school facilities.

  • ★
    Collaboration & partnership.

    We strive to build strong relationships with all stakeholders to create a shared vision for our infrastructure.

  • ★
    Long-term vision.

    We focus on the future of Wolcott. By replacing 30-year-old systems today, we ensure that our schools are safe, efficient, and reliable environments for students, ultimately protecting the long-term prosperity of our entire community.

Why This Matters to Every Resident

Protecting Property Values

Well-maintained schools are a "halo" for the neighborhood, keeping home values stable for all residents, regardless of whether they have children in the system.

Fiscal Responsibility

By "bundling" these end-of-life systems now, we prevent the compounding expenses of secondary structural damage and the significant overhead of professional remediation. This proactive approach ensures we avoid the inflated costs associated with emergency mitigation and the restoration of impacted interior environments.

A Clear Scope

This proposal is not about expanding buildings or adding staff. It is strictly about protecting what we already own.

Supporting visuals

Two quick visuals that reinforce the investment case

Hover on desktop to enlarge each image for easier reading. On mobile, the visuals stack and remain fully visible.

WPS school referendum quick facts graphic showing project priorities, state grant support, and value of improvements.
Quick facts overview

A single-page summary of the referendum scope, project priorities, and funding logic.
Debt service chart comparing existing debt and proposed new bonds across fiscal years.
Debt service outlook

A longer-range chart showing how proposed bonding layers onto existing debt service over time.

Investing in safety and sustainability

Investing in Safety and Sustainability: A Rationale for the Upcoming School Capital Referendum

These five projects are essential investments to address aging infrastructure, protect students and staff, and keep Wolcott in compliance with state regulations.

The Committee is looking to inform the public on five critical capital improvement projects across our school district. These projects are not merely upgrades; they are necessary to address end-of-life systems and prevent costly emergency repairs.

State grant coverage Approximately 65% of total costs
Projects 5 essential upgrades
Total estimate $5.82M
Estimated reimbursement $3.81M
Estimated net local cost $2.01M
01

Life safety

Fire Alarm System Upgrades (FES & TMS)

Modernize obsolete fire alarm panels before a failure forces temporary fire watch staffing or emergency replacement.

Need

The current fire alarm panels at Frisbie Elementary and Tyrrell Middle School are over 20 years old, and replacement parts are no longer manufactured.

Fix

Install a modern, reliable, fully functional fire detection system that restores long-term life-safety coverage.

Total cost $313,310
State reimbursement $200,000
Net cost to town $113,310
02

Regulatory compliance

Elevator Cylinder Replacement (AES/CO)

Resolve an active state issue and protect building accessibility before a failure leads to service shutdown or compliance penalties.

Need

Hydraulic elevator cylinders at Alcott School and Central Office are over 30 years old and have already been cited by the State Elevator Inspector.

Fix

Replace the cylinder system to resolve the violation and maintain safe, legal accessibility for staff and visitors.

Total cost $62,000
State reimbursement $0
Net cost to town $62,000
03

Infrastructure integrity

TMS Roof Replacement

Address the largest physical risk in the package with a long-life roof system before structural damage and emergency relocation costs escalate.

Need

Sections of the Tyrrell roof are up to 33 years old, with deteriorated insulation causing ponding water and ongoing structural deficiencies.

Fix

Install a high-efficiency roofing system with a 20-year warranty to protect the building envelope and avoid emergency failure scenarios.

Total cost $4,517,700
State reimbursement $3,000,000
Net cost to town $1,517,700
04

Efficiency and comfort

TMS HVAC Unit Replacement

Replace failing rooftop units with a system that improves comfort, air quality, and long-term operating efficiency.

Need

Existing units have exceeded their 20-year service life, and continued repairs are no longer cost-effective or operationally reliable.

Fix

Install updated HVAC equipment to improve indoor air quality and temperature control while reducing maintenance and energy costs.

Total cost $850,000
State reimbursement $564,655
Net cost to town $285,345
05

Preventative maintenance

WHS Water System Infrastructure

Stabilize a critical utility system before pump or tank failure forces a school shutdown or temporary emergency services.

Need

Booster pumps and underground pressure tanks at Wolcott High School are nearing critical failure and could disrupt potable water service.

Fix

Install modern VFD pumps and stand-alone tanks for a more resilient, more efficient water system with less operational risk.

Total cost $78,300
State reimbursement $50,000
Net cost to town $28,300

Financial impact: maximizing state support

We worked with industry firms such as Colliers International, Greenwood Industries, and Johnson Controls, to develop accurate estimates. By bonding these items together, the town qualifies for substantial state reimbursements, reducing the burden on local taxpayers.

Bottom line About $2 million delivers nearly $6 million in improvements.

Proactive replacement is significantly more cost-effective than emergency failures, which may not qualify for the same level of state funding.

Project summary

Project Estimated total cost Estimated State reimbursement Estimated net cost to town
Fire Alarm Upgrades (FES/TMS) $313,310 $200,000 $113,310
Elevator Replacement (AES/CO) $62,000 $0 $62,000
TMS Roof Replacement $4,517,700 $3,000,000 $1,517,700
TMS HVAC Replacement $850,000 $564,655 $285,345
WHS Water Infrastructure $78,300 $50,000 $28,300
TOTALS $5,821,310 $3,814,655 $2,006,655

What if's

What if the referendum does not pass?

Potential operational, legal, and financial impacts if critical systems fail before planned replacements are completed.

Most likely to occur in the next 12–24 months if delayed.

Fire alarm failure (FES/TMS)

If a fire alarm system fails and is irreparable, schools would likely need temporary fire watch staffing while occupied.

  • Estimated fire watch cost for an 8-hour day: $160 to $480 per officer, per day.
  • Under Connecticut's 30-minute patrol rule, large buildings may require multiple officers, increasing cost.
  • Fire watch personnel cannot perform any other school duties.
  • If deemed irreparable, closure or immediate replacement may be required under CGS § 29-306.

Replacement estimate: $313,310. If emergency replacement occurs outside the normal process, state reimbursement may be reduced or unavailable.

Elevator failure (Central Office)

If the elevator fails, the building could become inaccessible and out of compliance.

  • CT penalties under § 29-198 can include fines up to $250 for first offense, with higher penalties for repeat violations.
  • Operating without a valid certificate may result in the elevator being sealed out of service.
  • Federal ADA complaints can result in large civil penalties if violations are not corrected.

Repair estimate: $62,000.

Water infrastructure failure (WHS)

A total water-system failure could force immediate building closure because schools must maintain potable water and adequate sanitation.

  • Potable water hauling: $1,500 to $3,000/day.
  • Portable restroom trailers: $2,000 to $5,000/week.
  • Handwashing stations: $150 to $250/unit.

Project estimate: $78,300. Estimated reimbursement: $50,000. Approximate net: $28,300.

Critical roof failure (TMS)

A major roof failure could require immediate relocation and emergency response costs. This would potentionally result in cancellation of schools, or impact other schools in town via relocation.

  • Modular classroom leasing (example 20-room setup): about $15,000 to $22,500/month, plus setup/site work.
  • Setup/site work may add roughly $50,000 to $150,000.
  • Additional hidden costs may include interior water damage, mold remediation, and increased transportation costs.

Roof estimate: $4,517,700. Estimated reimbursement: $3,000,000. Approximate net: $1,517,700.

HVAC failure continuation (TMS)

Existing rooftop units are past expected life and may continue to require frequent, expensive repairs while reliability declines.

  • Older systems can reduce indoor comfort and increase operational disruption.
  • Delays may increase maintenance spend without solving end-of-life equipment risk.

HVAC estimate: $850,000. Estimated reimbursement: $564,655. Approximate net: $285,345.

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Photo gallery

Project visuals and references

Browse conditions across the schools with a larger viewing stage and quick thumbnail navigation.

Visual evidence

Project reference 01

Browse the gallery to review documented site conditions and supporting visuals from across the proposed projects.

01 / 20
TMS puncture hole in roof
TMS failing seams on roof
Central Office elevator cylinders that need to be replaced
Central Office elevator cylinders that need to be replaced
Central Office elevator cylinders that need to be replaced
TMS roof overview
TMS failing roof drains
TMS failing seams on roof
TMS aging HVAC unit
TMS pooling water on roof
TMS puncture hole in roof
TMS roof patching and water pooling on roof
Water infiltration TMS Main Office
Water infiltration in TMS Classroom
Water infiltration in TMS Guidance Suite
Water infiltration in TMS Classroom
Water infiltration in TMS Hallway
Outdated fire alarm panel FES
Aging water tank system WHS
Aging water tank system WHS

Front and center

Referendum Results: WPS Modernization

Everything you need in one place to review the final vote outcome and the approved modernization package.

Why it matters: the final count is in, and the work can now move forward.

Final results

Yes 990
No 242

Approved by the community

The referendum passed by 748 votes, allowing the district to move ahead with the five-project modernization package.

Voter to-do list

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers to the questions community members are most likely to ask before the referendum vote.

Why are these projects being proposed all at once?

By grouping these five projects into a single referendum, the Town of Wolcott can maximize its efficiency in securing state grants and bonding. Most of these items are end-of-life issues, meaning the equipment is no longer repairable or has been cited for code violations. Addressing them now prevents more expensive emergency repairs later.

How will this affect my property taxes?

While the total project cost is over $5.8 million, the town is only responsible for approximately $2 million after state reimbursements. Because the town is bonding this amount and paying it back over 20 years, the impact is spread out over time to keep the annual tax effect as low as possible.

What happens if the referendum doesn't pass?

Safety and compliance risks remain. The district would continue relying on obsolete fire alarm systems and an elevator system already cited by the state. Delays also increase the chance of roof damage, HVAC failures, and the loss of access to roughly $3.8 million in state funding.

Why not just repair the existing systems?

In most cases, repair is no longer a practical solution. Fire alarm parts at Frisbie and Tyrrell are obsolete, and the 33-year-old Tyrrell roof has compressed insulation that makes patching ineffective. Continued repair spending would not solve the underlying end-of-life issues.

Who determined these costs?

The Board of Education engaged professional firms including Colliers International, Johnson Controls, New England Elevator, Water Systems Specialties, Greenwood Industries, SLAM Collaborative, and MP Planning Group to produce expert estimates with contingency allowances.

When would the work be completed?

If approved, the district would move into the state grant application process immediately. Most major construction, including the roof and HVAC work at Tyrrell, would be scheduled for summer windows whenever possible to reduce disruption during the school year.

At a glance

Summary of costs to the town

The referendum combines multiple urgent needs into one package to maximize reimbursement and reduce the local burden.

Total project estimates $5,821,310
Estimated state reimbursement $3,814,655
Estimated net cost to Wolcott taxpayers $2,006,655
Why this structure matters

Bundling the work into one referendum improves access to state support and makes proactive replacement more cost-effective than waiting for emergency failures.

Documents

Download detailed materials

Explore the core studies, calculations, and reports behind the referendum package. Start with the most comprehensive planning study, then review the supporting technical documents.

Featured study Capacity Utilization Study (2025)

The broadest planning document in the library, covering how space is being used across the district and where modernization pressures are building.

PDF • 0.44 MB Planning study
Open document
Inspection report Tyrrell Middle Roof Inspection Report

Technical roof findings and conditions observed at Tyrrell Middle School, supporting the need for replacement work.

PDF • 21.9 MB Facilities report
Download report
Projection data Enrollment Projections

District enrollment outlook used to help frame long-term planning decisions and future capacity needs.

PDF • 1.86 MB Enrollment study
Download projections
Reference worksheet 2024 Space Standard Calculations

Space standards and supporting calculation sheets that help explain the district’s facilities planning baseline.

PDF • 0.32 MB Standards and calcs
Download worksheet

Leadership

School Modernization Committee Members

Thank you to the community members and district leaders serving on the committee.

Community leadership

Cross-functional leadership from district, board, town, and family voices

The committee brings together operational expertise, elected leadership, school administrators, and community members to support clear public understanding ahead of the vote.

Committee members 13 people
Groups represented District, BOE, town, parents
District insight Facilities, finance, and school operations
Community voice Parents, teachers, administrators, and town liaisons
Shared purpose Clear information for a well-informed community vote

Each perspective helps connect the technical details of the referendum to the real day-to-day experience of students, staff, and families.

District and board leadership

  • Cindy ManciniBoard Chair, ex officio
  • Jessica PepoyDirector of Facilities
  • Todd BendtsenBusiness Manager
  • Melissa HughesFacilities Committee, BOE member
  • Eugene GasparriFacilities Committee, BOE member

School and community representation

  • Michelle ThiesWHS Administrator
  • Dan CaetanoTMS Administrator
  • Laura ZimmermanParent, Teacher
  • Chris CharetteParent
  • Chris GaffneyParent, WES PTO board

Town liaisons

  • Charles NappiTown Council - BOE Liaison
  • Terri SheehanTown Council - BOE Liaison
  • Joseph "Jay" SkerrittTown liaison