Matt Lesser

Sen. Lesser, Rep. Carpino Welcome up to $7M in Savings to Cromwell Middle School Construction Project

CROMWELL, CT – State Senator Matt Lesser (D-Middletown), State Representative Christie Carpino (R-Cromwell) and local school leaders welcome news that the state Department of Administrative Services has increased the state reimbursement rate for the Cromwell Middle School construction project from 39.64% to 49.64% which could save the Town of Cromwell as much as $7 million dollars.

Last June, Cromwell voters approved constructing a replacement for the current school based on estimates of $58.6 million. Due to price increases, the project now requires an additional $14 million, which voters approved in a referendum on May 18.

“Capping a year in which we have secured record support for our area public schools, this additional funding for the Cromwell Middle School project is simply transformational,” Sen. Lesser said. “This funding will save Cromwell taxpayers as much as $7 million, providing needed support that clears the way for the project to move forward. It was a pleasure to work with Rep. Carpino, legislative leaders and the Department of Administrative Services to secure this higher rate.”

“Cromwell’s new Middle School represents a long-term investment in our children and our community. The increase in the reimbursement rate for this project will result in a significant cost savings- millions of dollars- for the taxpayers in town. This is a perfect example of how Cromwell gets things done-by working together,” said Rep. Carpino.

“I am overjoyed by this news. Words cannot express the gratitude I have for all the stakeholders who worked tirelessly to make this happen,” said Enza Macri, Superintendent of Cromwell Schools. “A special thank you to our external partners (Arcadis), our dedicated CMS Building Committee, our legislators, notably Senator Lesser and Representative Carpino, OSCG&R, and the Department of Administrative Offices, to name a few of many, who graciously advocated for Cromwell to receive this increase in reimbursement rate.The students of Cromwell Public Schools deserve a new middle school and although it has been a long road getting here; seeing the local and State level community work together to make this happen for our children has been overwhelmingly joyful!”

“This is such great news to end the school year on! The increase in our reimbursement rate will go a long way toward the needs of this project to ensure we are able to fulfill the vision the school district and CMS building committee has for our community. Thank you to all involved who have advocated relentlessly to do what’s best for our students!” said Celina Kelleher, Cromwell Board of Education Chair.

“Securing an additional 10% towards the reimbursement rate for the new Cromwell Middle School Project will go a long way in supporting the Cromwell community by making it possible for us to invest in future infrastructure improvements,” said Rosanna Glynn, CMS Building Project Chair. “A town’s public schools are the center of a community and can be a driving force in a town’s prosperity. This new middle school will strengthen Cromwell and create more community spaces to support sports and recreation, performing arts, and civic organizations.”

“The additional funding for Cromwell allows the town to improve its educational infrastructure while managing the increasing costs of inflation,” said Shannon Hughes-Brown, CMS Building Project Vice Chair. “I applaud the legislature for recognizing the need to support our town and education infrastructure overall. Our children, as well as the broader community, will realize the positive impact of this new development for years to come.”