School invests in going to zero

This article appeared in the Valley News on August 5, 2022.

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By FRANCES MIZE
Valley News Staff Writer

WOODSTOCK — Plagued by failing infrastructure and a heating system that dates back to the 1950s, school officials have started to raise private money to help pay for the expected $80 million construction of a new net-zero energy high school and middle school building in Woodstock.

The project has already received two anonymous pledges, one for $1.5 million and another for $125,000, said Jim Fenn, director of financefor the Windsor Central Supervisory Union. To fully fund construction, residents from all of the towns in the district must vote to approve a bond measure. This would likely happen in 2024, either at March’s Town Meeting or through a special vote.

“The school district is looking at ways to limit the taxpayer contribution to make it a more attractive option for voters,” said Ben Ford, a school board member for the seven-town district, adding that they’re examining ways to increase the contribution they receive from the state education fund.