Community vote on the Modernization Referendum
Purpose & values
Our purpose is to educate, empower, and engage the Wolcott community with accurate, transparent information before the vote.
Our goal is to reach every community member and encourage all registered voters (18+) to make an informed decision when they VOTE on Saturday, March 28, 2026.
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.
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.
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.
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.
We strive to build strong relationships with all stakeholders to create a shared vision for our infrastructure.
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.
Investing in safety and sustainability
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.
The need: The current fire alarm panels at Frisbie Elementary and Tyrrell Middle School are over 20 years old. Replacement parts are obsolete and cannot be manufactured.
The goal: Install a modern, reliable, fully functional fire detection system.
The need: Hydraulic elevator cylinders at Alcott School/Central Office are over 30 years old and have been cited by the State Elevator Inspector.
The goal: Resolve the state violation and ensure safe, legal accessibility.
The need: Sections of the Tyrrell roof are up to 33 years old. Deteriorated insulation is causing water ponding and structural deficiencies.
The goal: Install a high-efficiency roofing system with a 20-year warranty.
The need: Units have exceeded their 20-year service life. Repairs are no longer cost-effective.
The goal: Improve indoor air quality and temperature control while reducing long-term maintenance and energy costs.
The need: Booster pumps and underground pressure tanks are nearing critical failure, risking shutdowns.
The goal: Install modern VFD pumps and stand-alone tanks for a resilient, efficient water system.
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.
Proactive replacement is significantly more cost-effective than emergency failures, which may not qualify for the same level of state funding.
| 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
Potential operational, legal, and financial impacts if critical systems fail before planned replacements are completed.
If a fire alarm system fails and is irreparable, schools would likely need temporary fire watch staffing while occupied.
Replacement estimate: $313,310. If emergency replacement occurs outside the normal process, state reimbursement may be reduced or unavailable.
If the elevator fails, the building could become inaccessible and out of compliance.
Repair estimate: $62,000.
A total water-system failure could force immediate building closure because schools must maintain potable water and adequate sanitation.
Project estimate: $78,300. Estimated reimbursement: $50,000. Approximate net: $28,300.
A major roof failure could require immediate relocation and emergency response costs.
Roof estimate: $4,517,700. Estimated reimbursement: $3,000,000. Approximate net: $1,517,700.
Existing rooftop units are past expected life and may continue to require frequent, expensive repairs while reliability declines.
HVAC estimate: $850,000. Estimated reimbursement: $564,655. Approximate net: $285,345.
Photo gallery
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Front and center
Everything you need in one place so you can vote with confidence.
Join us at one of the upcoming informational meetings to review the project details and ask questions.
FAQ
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.
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 (borrowing it and paying it back over several years), the impact is spread out over time to keep the annual tax impact as low as possible.
Safety & compliance: We remain in violation of state elevator codes and continue to rely on obsolete fire alarm systems that cannot be repaired if they fail. Increased costs: Delaying the roof and HVAC projects at Tyrrell will likely lead to internal water damage and higher energy bills. Loss of state funding: The nearly $3.8 million in state grants is not guaranteed indefinitely, so missing this window could force the town to cover the full bill later.
In most of these cases, repairs are no longer an option. For example, the fire alarm parts at Frisbie and Tyrrell are obsolete and no longer manufactured. Similarly, the 33-year-old roof at Tyrrell has compressed insulation, which prevents simple patch-work from being effective.
The Board of Education engaged professional firms including Colliers International, Johnson Controls, New England Elevator, Water Systems Specialties, Greenwood Industries INC, SLAM Collaboritive, and MP Planning Group to provide competitive, expert estimates. These figures include a cushion for contingencies to help the project stay within the approved budget.
If approved, the district will begin the state grant application process immediately. Most major construction, such as the Tyrrell roof and HVAC replacement, would be scheduled for the summer months to minimize disruption to the school year.
Leadership
Thank you to the community members and district leaders serving on the committee.
Town Council - BOE Liaison
Board Chair, ex officio
Director of Facilities
Business Manager
Facilities Committee, BOE member
Facilities Committee, BOE member
WHS Administrator
TMS Administrator
Parent, Teacher
Parent
Parent, WES PTO board
Town Council-BOE Liaison