School Construction Bond

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2023 Middletown Middle-High School Bond Referendum Nov. 7th The Investment and Financial Implications of the School Bond 


On Nov. 7th, voters are asked to weigh in on a $190 million bond in a special election to build a new middle-high school north of Gaudet Middle School. The construction and groundbreaking is set to start in Spring 2025, with the ribbon cutting in Fall 2027.

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Middletown has a one time opportunity for 55% state RIDE reimbursement on eligible expenses (principle and interest) of the estimated $190M project cost.

The total $101 million cost to the town for this $190 million project would cost the median Middletown homeowner about $2 a day.

Project Facts

The bond will fund two schools with separate, distinct entrances creating a new combined middle-high school:

  • Serves about 1,100 students, grades 6-12
  • Features about 200,000 square feet of educational space, including state-of-the-art flexible classrooms
  • No displacement of any classrooms as single-phase construction, with no interruptions to learning 
  • Allows for room for future expansion
  • Built for the schools of today and the next 50 years plus
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Every student benefits – New buildings are more equitable for all – from high achievers to those with learning challenges, special needs, handicaps, and other underserved student populations.


More money into each classroom – Savings from efficient, healthier schools are invested into the education of our children instead of maintaining outdated facilities. 


Flexible classrooms for the future – Dynamic classrooms designed for group work and collaboration better prepare our students for college, the military or a career. To do this, we need fresh, open classrooms, not the spaces built over six decades ago.


New Auditorium –  A public auditorium will be a source of pride for the whole town. Currently, our school cafeterias double as substandard performance spaces, or we’re forced to rent other rooms across the area. 


New Career Pathways through Vocational Tech – New critical “hands on” courses to add to our existing Career Pathways engineering, bio-medical and other programs to give our students a leg up in today’s ever evolving world economy.


New Athletic Spaces & Recreation Areas – New gymnasium with two basketball courts and an additional indoor sports facility and new athletic fields are included in the project, making the Gaudet Athletic Complex one of the premier facilities across the region.


The cost to repair deficiencies in existing schools far outweighs the cost of constructing new schools.

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According to independent findings in November 2021, $190 million in repairs are needed to the district’s four schools, before even one wall or ceiling is opened. Combined with asbestos remediation, air quality problems, accessibility concerns and a myriad of other issues, investing in our current buildings is spending good money after bad.


If we “fix what we have”, we  would be stuck with the same outdated, old and tired structures, but with “Band-Aids” and without the advantages, the energy, safety, health or other improvements of new construction.


Questions? 


Email Matt Sheley at msheley@middletownri.com.


Looking For More Info?

Visit Middle-High School and School Building Committee online