Waterbury officials tour $100 million preschool as city weighs replacement project
Waterbury officials are moving forward with plans for a new preschool center that would replace Bucks Hill Preschool, a facility that has served students for more than 20 years.
Members of the Board of Education and city alders toured the preschool in the city’s north end on Wednesday as the district evaluates its pre-K education needs. Officials said the visit helped them better understand what would be needed in a new facility.
Plans for the new center include updated classrooms and additional space for students with special needs.
One Waterbury mother whose son attended pre-K this year said she supports the proposal.
“It’s going to help set the tone and the standard of what their future schools should look like, what their future should look like,” Shakirah Wade said.
The project is expected to cost about $100 million.
According to the Waterbury school superintendent, Dr. Darren Schwartz, the state could cover as much as 94% of the cost, but the city would need to apply for funding now to qualify for that level of reimbursement.
Waterbury alders are expected to vote on whether to move the project forward at their meeting next Monday.
From breaking news and local politics to art exhibitions, live music, high school sports, small businesses, and cultural events, we celebrate the people and places that make Connecticut unique.