Committee approves outreach plan, tentatively targets October referendum

The Willington School Building Committee approved expanded public outreach and an initial communications budget on May 26 as it advances site and project planning for a possible school capital referendum.

Committee members reviewed materials used at Willington Day and a draft flyer summarizing the main project options (add/renovate, new construction on existing site, new construction on adjacent River Road parcels). Members recommended clearer language on reimbursement eligibility and contact information; staff agreed to incorporate the edits.

The committee voted unanimously to authorize up to $1,200 for a third mailer (Every Door Direct Mail) once the design is finalized with the design team. The mailer is intended to publicize a larger community forum planned for late June and to explain the options and pros/cons so residents can prepare for the referendum decision.

On referendum timing staff recommended a standalone ballot date before the November general election to avoid the statutory blackout period when communications are legally constrained. The working target discussed was Tuesday, Oct. 6, which staff said would give the town more time after summer for outreach and reduce overlap with the general election timeline; staff will coordinate mechanics with registrars and the selectman’s office and return a final schedule to the committee.

The committee also scheduled a targeted educational ‘‘think tank’’ with the design team for June 4 and a larger community forum (tentatively June 23) where staff, architects and state representatives will be invited to present project options and answer questions.

What’s next: staff will finalize the mailer copy and run it through postal compliance checks, coordinate the June engagement events, and report back on a confirmed referendum date and the timeline required to meet state filing requirements.