Press Release - Fairfield House Delegation - Dwight Elementary Reimbursement

[DeLaney, Jackson]

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STATE REPRESENTATIVES SARAH KEITT, JENNIFER LEEPER, CRISTIN McCARTHY VAHEY, GOVERNOR NED LAMONT WELCOME STATE REIMBURSEMENT FOR DWIGHT ELEMENTARY SCHOOL REBUILD PROJECT 

Millions saved thanks to funding in state budget 

 

FAIRFIELD, CT - State Representatives Sarah Keitt (D-Fairfield, Trumbull), Jennifer Leeper (D-Fairfield, Southport), and Cristin McCarthy Vahey (D-Fairfield, Bridgeport) were today joined by Governor Ned Lamont, Fairfield First Selectperson Christine Vitale, Superintendent of Fairfield Public Schools Michael Testani, and local Fairfield town and school officials to highlight the state reimbursement for the Dwight Elementary School rebuild project. 

 

As part of the budget adjustment bill, Fairfield will receive a 75% reimbursement rate for the project costs, which is roughly $57 million in state aid. 

 

As a nationally recognized Blue Ribbon School, Dwight Elementary has established itself as one of the premier elementary schools in Connecticut, ranking amongst the top-rated schools in the state. 

 

Under the reconstruction plan, Dwight Elementary will be modernized with new facilities, critical air quality enhancements, a new Early Childhood Center for preschool students, an extension for the Complex Learner Cohort program, an expansion of the campus, and more. 

 

“Three years ago, I promised the parents of Dwight that I would fight to ensure their children had a healthy, safe, and state-of-the-art learning environment,” Rep. Keitt said. “By working with our Board of Education, our Board of Selectmen, and the Chair of the House Education Committee, we have secured the funding to achieve that goal.” 

 

"As the Education Committee Co-Chair, I am proud to help deliver this significant state aid to 

the rebuild of Dwight Elementary School,” Rep. Leeper said. “Thank you to Governor Lamont for 

helping us ensure that all of Fairfield’s students are educated in safe and healthy environments, and 

thank you for helping us provide the best possible start to our earliest learners at the Early Childhood 

Center. This generous state aid ensures that we can make this project a reality without overly burdening Fairfield taxpayers.” 

 

“The rebuild of Dwight Elementary will have a profound impact on our students’ lives,” Rep. McCarthy Vahey said. “In addition to offering early childhood education, improved air quality and modernized facilities for Dwight students, teachers, and families, this funding support will help ease the property tax burden on Fairfield taxpayers.” 

 

“All our students deserve modern, safe amenities that support their education, and I am glad that the state could partner with Fairfield to aid in the construction of a new Dwight Elementary School,” Governor Ned Lamont said. “In addition to replacing an aging school building, this funding will support our efforts to increase enrollment in early childhood education so that every child has access to high-quality educational enrichment from the earliest years of their lives. I appreciate the advocacy of Representative Keitt, Representative Leeper, and Representative McCarthy Vahey on behalf of Fairfield’s public schools.” 

 

“The state’s investment in the rebuild of Dwight will not only help Fairfield replace an elementary school with a long history of air-quality concerns, but also affirms Connecticut’s commitment to providing dedicated, educationally appropriate space for our PreK and special education students,” Fairfield First Selectperson Christine Vitale said. “We thank Governor Lamont and our state representatives for their advocacy and continued support; the 75% state reimbursement on eligible construction costs will enable us to move this school construction project forward while continuing to address other capital infrastructure needs.” 

 

“This is an exciting moment for the Dwight Elementary School community,” Dwight Principal Mimi Maniscalco said. “Our students thrive when they learn in an environment that supports their growth, sparks their curiosity, and helps them feel safe, supported, and inspired every day. We are thankful for the support that is making this project possible and eager to see the positive impact it will have on the daily experiences of our students, staff, and families.” 

  

“We are incredibly grateful to Governor Lamont and our state legislative delegation for their support of Fairfield’s students, staff, and families through the approval of the Dwight Elementary School rebuild project reimbursement,” Fairfield Public Schools Superintendent Michael J. Testani said. “This investment will help us create a modern, safe, and inspiring learning environment where children can thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. We appreciate the partnership and commitment to ensuring our students and educators have the facilities they need to succeed today and for generations to come.” 

 

“The Dwight community is grateful to state representatives Leeper, McCarthy Vahey, and Keitt for supporting this project,” Dwight Building Committee Chair Lauren Effron said. “Four years ago, the school faced possible closure amid concerns about fresh air, accessibility, and the loss of programs like CLC. Despite challenges and concerns about the cost of a new building, we are thrilled that Dwight will finally have a dedicated ECC program connected to an elementary school, creating greater opportunities for students of all abilities to learn and grow together in an inclusive environment. This project supports every student and family by providing a safe, healthy, and accessible learning environment, keeping the school open, expanding access to essential programs and services, and helping address district-wide overcrowding. The reimbursement plan will reduce bonding capacity pressures and allow the Board of Education to advance other priorities in its 10-Year Long Range Facilities Plan, including improvements at Jennings Elementary School, ensuring more equitable learning opportunities across the district.” 

 

Rep. Leeper represents the 132nd District, which includes Fairfield and Southport. Rep. McCarthy Vahey represents the 133rd District, which includes Fairfield and Bridgeport. Rep. Keitt represents the 134th District, which includes Fairfield and Trumbull. 

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Jackson DeLaney (He/Him/His)

Press Aide | House Democrats

 

Work: (860) 240-8372

Cell: (203) 947-6661

 

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