Haddam-Killingworth High School Building Project 

The RSD17 Board of Education extends its sincere appreciation to the members of our school community, as well as to the residents of Haddam and Killingworth, for their continued support of the educational programs that serve our students.

Addressing the needs of the aging Haddam-Killingworth High School facility has been, and remains, a top priority for the Board. Our district serves approximately 1,700 students across four campuses. Three of our four school buildings are more than 50 years old and, while well-maintained, have significant design, system, and infrastructure deficiencies that no longer meet the educational needs of today’s students. Ongoing improvement or repairs to original infrastructure elements are increasingly difficult or impossible as they fail.

After several years of study and consideration, the Board determined that a major renovation of Haddam-Killingworth High School represents the most urgent and essential facilities project, with selective alterations to other district schools to follow. Foremost among our priorities is addressing ADA and Title IX compliance issues, as well as other identified health and safety concerns.

In alignment with recommendations from the New England Association of Schools & Colleges (NEASC) accreditation report, the Board aims to modernize learning environments—including fully functional science laboratories that support growing student interest in STEM fields and allow for project-based, hands-on learning. We are also committed to developing spaces that prepare students for future careers and promote real-world skill development.

While the Board and community are unified in recognizing the urgent need for substantial improvements to the high school, feedback on the initial proposal presented and approved by the Board of Education last spring raised important questions about the project’s scope, cost, and approach. In response, the Board reengaged in the process and, with the help of QA+M Architects, has produced a Renovate as New Plan that has proven to be a more sustainable and affordable alternative that, when presented in January, was more appealing to our community.

The Board of Education has approved a plan to send to referendum that is a comprehensive renovation of the existing structure. This approach was granted space waivers from the State, enabling the district to preserve and modernize key facilities, including the auditorium, field house, pool, and technical education spaces, that serve not only our students but also the broader Haddam-Killingworth community and, due to co-op teams’ use of our facilities, students from neighboring towns.

The Board is grateful for the collaboration with local legislators, appealing to them as key partners in securing available state funding. As a regional district, RSD17 benefits from having multiple legislative advocates in Hartford supporting our efforts.

Improving Haddam-Killingworth High School remains an urgent and significant priority. The Board of Education has worked with diligence, transparency, and fiscal responsibility, ensuring that the process reflects the needs and values of our community.  This project will have a total cost of $151,900,00. The Board anticipates receipt of grants from the State of Connecticut of approximately $74,800,000, representing reimbursement of approximately 51.43% of eligible project expenses.  The estimated net cost to Haddam and Killingworth taxpayers, therefore, will be $77,200,000.

The goal of this project is to enhance the learning environment and renew the facility for continued and efficient use. Features of the project include:

• Focus on Safety and Security

  • Secure entrance and improved visibility and access

  • Separate parent and bus circulation

  • Centrally located Administration space

  • Improved parking and sightlines

  • Fire sprinklers throughout

•  ADA, Code and Title IX Compliance

  • Main floor administrative space

  • Additional elevators

  • Improved student circulation

  • Improved locker rooms

  • Accessibility throughout the building

• Technology Education Spaces at current sizes

  • Maintain current curriculum in updated Construction, Automotive, Manufacturing and Engineering spaces

• Reimagined Learning Spaces

  • Main Entry and new circulation also serve as a Gallery space

  • Outdoor, secure Courtyard, providing dining and learning space

  • Newly designed Media Center and preserved Auditorium

• New and Modernized Science Labs

  • Designed to align with STEAM educational needs

• New or Modernized Building Systems

  • Heating, ventilation and air conditioning

  • Building exterior elements including windows and doors

  • Fire protection (sprinkler system)

  • Preservation of majority of rooftop solar system

• Athletic Facility Upgrades

  • Code compliance work at Fieldhouse and Pool

  • Compliant locker facilities throughout

  • New tennis courts

  • Field drainage improvements

  • New track and stadium field in current location

  • Potential artificial turf at stadium field

For questions about the HKHS Facility/Feasibility Study, please email BOE@rsd17.org