Building Momentum to a Spring Referendum
Referendum Date: May 11, 2026
Explanation of Project: From August 9, 2021, through January 22, 2026, three separate committees formed by the Portland Board of Selectmen and the Portland Board of Education examined the current and future facility needs of the Portland Public Schools. The research process included multiple demographic studies, the establishment of priorities, focus group feedback, reviews of existing facility conditions, examinations of historical grade-level configurations and past facility improvements, the development of potential facility options, and reviews of projected costs.
Project Summary
After nearly five years of study and discussion—including a failed bonding referendum that proposed consolidating three elementary schools into one—the Portland Board of Education and the Portland Board of Selectmen approved the following plan:
- Renovate and expand Valley View Elementary School to create a PreK–2 elementary school
- Renovate Gildersleeve Elementary School to serve grades 3–5
- Relocate sixth grade to Portland Middle School, establishing a grades 6–8 middle school
- Replace the roof and upgrade HVAC systems at Portland Middle School and Portland High School
- Decommission Brownstone Intermediate School
Bonding & Appropriation Plans
The Board of Selectmen will approve a resolution to appropriate $109,00,000 to consolidate the Town’s elementary schools from three schools to two. The proposal includes the renovation and expansion of Valley View Elementary School, the renovation of Gildersleeve Elementary School, roof replacement and mechanical system improvements at the Middle School and High School, and the decommissioning of Brownstone Intermediate School after it is used as swing space during construction. If voters approve the referendum, the Town will be authorized to issue bonds or notes not to exceed $45,200,000 (including bond issuance costs), representing the Town’s share of the project cost. The Town anticipates that State of Connecticut reimbursement will offset the remaining balance. Projected project costs and anticipated State reimbursements are as follows:
- Valley View Elementary School: $47.5 million project cost with an anticipated $33.3 million State reimbursement
- Gildersleeve Elementary School: $52 million project cost with an anticipated $29.2 million State reimbursement
- Middle School & High School improvements: $8 million project cost with an anticipated $4 million State reimbursement
Polling Locations
- Portland Middle School - 93 High Street
Financial Impacts
School Improvement Plan
Conceptual Valley View Project Schedule
Conceptual Gildersleeve Project Schedule
Community Events
In the coming weeks, we will continue to share additional updates and details. We look forward to engaging our community in meaningful conversations about this important investment in our schools and our students. As part of that effort, we are hosting a series of community forums:
Questions & Answer Board
Please ask your questions on the Q&A board by clicking the button below. All questions will be responded to as promptly as possible.