Superintendent of schools Thomas Scarice sent this note today to Westport families and faculty:
As you have likely heard already (good news travels fast!), last night the RTM voted to approve construction of a brand-new, state-of-the-art Long Lots Elementary School and Stepping Stones Preschool!
This decision marks a transformative moment for our students, our educators, and the entire Westport community.
As I mentioned last night, this vote is far more than an approval of bricks and mortar, it is a testament to our values, reflecting our town’s unwavering commitment to our children, to public education, and to a future which will continue to be built on decades of excellence in our schools.
We have long known that the Long Lots facility has reached the end of its useful life, and that the miraculous work in Stepping Stones Preschool has been performed in subpar settings.
The current Long Lots Elementary School …
I would be remiss in not acknowledging the people who have performed at the highest levels, in inferior conditions, namely, the maintenance team who have kept these schools spotless in spite of worsening conditions, the faculty and support staff who have delivered year in and year out, and the administrative team who have led through disruption, facility failures, and emotional distress.
Finally, on behalf of the entire district, I want to extend my deepest gratitude to the parents of Long Lots and Stepping Stones. You spoke up, showed up, and never gave up, even knowing your own children might not benefit directly. You stood up not just for your own families, but for future generations of Westport students. Your selfless advocacy is a powerful reminder of what it means to believe in something bigger than ourselves.
This moment did not happen by chance. It was made possible by years of advocacy from our Board of Education, support from our Board of Finance and First Selectwoman Jennifer Tooker, and thoughtful planning (and hours and hours of work) from our Long Lots School Building Committee and town staff.
Finally, I want to thank the RTM for the rigor of their approval process, and for the unanimous vote last night, sending a strong message of values to the entire community.
… and the new one.
We now turn toward an exciting chapter, the design and construction of a future-facing school that will serve generations to come. One that will be safe, sustainable, inclusive and inspiring, a space that supports every student and reflects the values of the community around it.
This is a proud day for Westport. And it’s just the beginning.
We’ll be sharing more about next steps and opportunities to stay engaged in the coming weeks and months.
For now, let’s take a moment to celebrate—this celebratory moment belongs to the entire community.
