A new school, planned for the next 50+ years.
The Long Lots School Building Project will create a new Long Lots Elementary School and Stepping Stones Preschool on the existing Hyde Lane school property.
How the project began
The Board of Education analyzed the long-term needs of Stepping Stones Preschool and Long Lots Elementary School, producing Educational Specifications for the future school.
The First Selectwoman appointed a Building Committee (LLSBC), approved by the RTM, which hired architects and engineers to evaluate the existing building systems, site conditions, parking and drainage.
Over more than 50 public meetings with stakeholders and Town bodies, the Committee compared renovation, renovation-with-addition and new-school options, ultimately recommending a new school adjacent to the existing building as the most expedient, cost-effective and sustainable choice.
Why a new school is being built
- Address the deteriorating Long Lots Elementary School building
- Expand Stepping Stones Preschool to meet requirements the current space could not — a significant win for families of students with special needs and preschool families
- Meet current and future educational needs and enrollment projections
- Keep the current school operational and safe during construction
- Improve sustainability and energy performance
- Plan for the Town's needs over the next 50+ years
Who is involved
Long Lots School Building Committee
A Town-appointed committee responsible for hiring design consultants, evaluating options, making recommendations and executing the approved project.
Town of Westport
A Town school building project, with public meetings, public documents and required approvals through Town boards and commissions.
Board of Education
Provided educational specifications and enrollment information used in the planning process.
Town Boards & Commissions
Major funding and approvals move through Town governing bodies, including the Flood & Erosion Control Board, Conservation, Architectural Review Board, Historic District Commission, Planning and Zoning, Board of Finance and the Representative Town Meeting.
Key partners
Construction Manager
Newfield Construction
Leading the build of the new school while the existing school remains operational.
Architect / Sustainability
Svigals + Partners, an FCA company
Planning and design of new sustainable school building and site from feasibility to completion. Coordination of consultants and observation of construction.
Structural Engineer
Michael Horton Associates
Design of the building's structural elements and observation of construction.
Mechanical, Electrical & Plumbing
Kohler Ronan
MEP Design including sustainable geothermal solutions for heating and cooling
Engineering, Assessment & Testing
Wiss, Janney, Elstner Associates
Review, observation and inspection of building envelope design and construction.
Civil Engineering & Landscape Architecture
SLR Consulting
Design of the site: parking, bus loop, stormwater detention, site utilities, playgrounds, athletic fields and landscaping.
Frequently asked questions
What is being built?+
A new Long Lots Elementary School and Stepping Stones Preschool on the existing Hyde Lane school property — a brand new 128,000 sf two-story building and interior courtyard with modern sustainable mechanical, electrical and plumbing systems, playgrounds, parking, circulation and parent drop-off, bus loop, athletic fields, site drainage and landscaping.
Will students remain in the current school during construction?+
Yes. The plan is to keep the current school operational while the new building is constructed. Safety fencing and daily monitoring are part of the construction plan.
When will students move into the new school?+
The current estimate is January 2028, after winter break.
What happens after students move into the new building?+
The existing school will be demolished, followed by construction of parking areas, remaining site utilities, playgrounds, landscaping and athletic fields. This is expected to be complete by August 2028.
Can residents attend Building Committee meetings?+
Yes. Community members are welcome and encouraged to attend public meetings. Public comment is typically offered at the beginning of meetings and again at the end if time allows. Please visit the Town Calendar for the next meeting date and time.
Where can residents find official documents?+
All Documents, minutes, updates and meeting information are available on the Town website. Project documents are summarized on the Documents page of this site. Construction documents are available in Town Hall at the Purchasing department.