Danbury Voters Approve $44 Million In Bonds For School Expansion

DANBURY, Conn. – Danbury residents voted to approve $44 million in bonds to fund several school expansion projects aimed at reducing overcrowding in Danbury public schools. Residents voted 16,752 to 5,469 in favor of the resolution Tuesday.

Danbury residents voted to approve $44 million in bonds to fund school expansion projects.
Photo Credit: *Alfred Branch*

by Jes Siart

11/06/2012 10:30 p.m.

The projects were put up for a referendum after a unanimous City Council decision in August. The funds will allow the district to add 16 new classrooms, which will accommodate 1,000 students, officials said.

The city’s AAA bond rating allows Danbury to borrow the money for 2 percent to 3 percent, which is historically low, said officials.

The proposed expansion is needed because Danbury is among the fastest growing communities in the region and elementary school enrollment already numbered more than 5,100 students in 2011, or 5.4 percent above projections, Danbury School Superintendent Sal Pascarella said.

The proposed schools in line for expansion are Park Avenue, Shelter Rock, Stadley Rough and Mill Ridge Intermediate, which combined would receive 16 new classrooms as well as a new Science Technology Engineering and Math (STEM) academy or magnet school for middle school students at the Mill Ridge building.

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