Press play to watch the interview, which was recorded on Zoom. The audio was uploaded as a separate podcast and is posted below.
An appointed group of about 10 people — along with consultants and the Naugatuck have been working for more than two years on a complicated task: figuring out whether consolidating or regionalizing schools in Ansonia and Derby could save money while not hurting learning.
Here’s a current list of schools within the two cities:
RIGHT NOW IN DERBY:
Derby High School
Derby Middle School
Bradley School
Irving School
RIGHT NOW IN ANSONIA:
Ansonia High School
Ansonia Middle School
Mead School
Prendergast School
At this point, the Ansonia-Derby regionalization committee has arrived at two possible options:
1. The “pre‑K through 12” model with four elementary schools.
This option closes Derby High School and Ansonia Middle School, two old and expensive buildings. Ansonia High School would have to be expanded to make room for Derby students, and Derby Middle School would be expanded to make room for Ansonia students.
The Bradley and Irving schools in Derby would continue as is. Same with the Mead and Prendergast schools in Ansonia.
2. The “pre‑K through 12” model with three elementary schools.
This option would close Derby High School and Ansonia Middle School (with the expansions mentioned in option one still happening at Ansonia High School and Derby Middle School) and Irving School in Derby. The Bradley School in east Derby would be expanded to accommodate students from the Irving School.
The cost for the scenarios above would cost between $15 million to $19 million. Watch the video for more information.
Any scenario would have to be approved by voters in both cities. A scenario could go to voters in November 2021.
Gildea said the committee is still working on how much money will be saved over the long term if either scenario is followed. The committee will have a more concrete idea of savings after its next meeting, scheduled for early January.
“Navel Gazing: The Valley Indy Podcast” is sponsored by ValleyGivesBack.org.
