The Southington School District held a special Board of Education meeting on April 1, 2025, to address pressing issues regarding the condition of local elementary schools, particularly Kelley School. The meeting featured public comments emphasizing the urgent need for facility improvements and the potential risks of inaction.

A concerned community member highlighted the deteriorating conditions at Kelley School, citing instances of early dismissals due to extreme heat, unsafe play structures, and ongoing water leaks. The speaker urged the board to prioritize the proposed facility projects, noting that costs are likely to rise if action is delayed. They referenced the Board of Education's policy on maintaining equitable school facilities, arguing that Kelley School's current state jeopardizes state and federal funding.

The speaker called for a consensus among board members to move forward with the project, suggesting that a tour of Kelley and other schools would provide insight into the urgent need for renovations. They encouraged the board to submit a grant application by June 2025 to secure funding for the proposed improvements.

Following this, Paul Chaplinski, chair of the town council, echoed the sentiment for action, stressing the importance of unity among board members in addressing the needs of the schools. He expressed skepticism about selling any school property to developers, advocating instead for the preservation of schools for future educational needs. Chaplinski suggested that repurposing schools for community use could be beneficial, particularly for special education and recreational purposes.

The meeting concluded with a call for collaboration among board members and the community to ensure that the needs of students and teachers are met. The urgency of addressing the facilities' conditions was a central theme, with participants emphasizing the necessity of taking decisive steps forward in the coming weeks.