After three unsuccessful attempts to pass a General Obligation (GO) bond for a new middle school, the Fairfield Community School District is moving forward with a multi-phased renovation and expansion plan that leverages existing SAVE funds to avoid property tax increases.
Phase 1 of the project represents the most significant step yet. The plan combines approximately $22.5 million in bonding against SAVE funds with $4 million from the district’s existing SAVE balance — totaling $26.5 million — to construct a 50,000 square foot academic addition to the north of the current middle school. The new wing will serve students in grades 5 through 8 and include 31 classrooms and a new secure entrance.
SAVE, which stands for Secure an Advanced Vision for Education, is a statewide 1% sales tax dedicated to school infrastructure. The funds are generated locally and must be used for building improvements, safety upgrades, and technology — not daily operations or salaries. By bonding against SAVE rather than pursuing a traditional GO bond, the district is able to move forward without increasing property taxes.
In addition to the new construction, a portion of the funds will be directed toward targeted improvements within the existing building, with a primary focus on addressing drainage issues and water infiltration. The two-story section on the east side of the current building is scheduled for demolition following completion of the new addition, anticipated in September 2028, as building assessments indicated that modernizing that wing would not be the most effective use of resources. The existing fifth grade wing will remain in place and may be repurposed in the future as a central office facility or for other district uses.
A key priority throughout the process has been ensuring students are not displaced during construction, allowing learning to continue without interruption. The project is being guided by a core team of district staff, architects, engineers, and construction professionals who meet every two weeks to keep the project on track with its goals, budget, and timeline. The district has also hosted four feedback sessions with middle school staff to gather input and ensure the design reflects the needs of those closest to the students. As part of the broader site improvements, the bus lane will be re-routed to improve traffic flow and safety, with that work anticipated to be completed in the spring of 2027.
The current Phase 1 timeline calls for initial design to be completed by June 2026, final design by October 2026, construction bidding documents issued in late November or early December 2026, bids awarded in January or February 2027, construction beginning as early as April 2027, and Phase 1 completion by fall of 2028.
Planning is already underway for Phase 2, which would add fine arts spaces, two gyms, a library, career and technical education areas, a commons and lunch space, and a new kitchen. The district is exploring three potential funding sources for that phase: a smaller GO bond referendum that would not increase the current tax levy, a capital campaign led by a Board-appointed committee focused on funding a new competition gym, and grant opportunities. The district has partnered with Pathfinders in Fairfield to identify additional funding sources and assist with the grant writing process.
The Board has engaged in multiple work sessions and committee meetings over the past four months to shape the multi-phased approach, and said it will continue to keep the community informed as the project progresses.
