Editor’s Note: First Selectwoman Jennifer Tooker released the following statement for publication after Monday evening’s final unanimous approval from the P&Z Commission for the site plan of the new Long Lots Elementary School and Stepping Stones Preschool.

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I am extremely grateful to the Flood and Erosion Control Board, Conservation Commission, Board of Finance, the RTM, and the Planning & Zoning Commission – all of which voted unanimously to move this significant Town project forward. These elected and appointed members took the time to listen and deliberate the merits of the plans, conditions and finances – they heard their constituents and voted accordingly.

Since September 2022, when the Long Lots Elementary School Building Committee was originally approved by the RTM; to October 2023, when the feasibility study to build a new school was accepted; from multiple iterations of plans and reviews; from a combined 50+ committee, commission, and board meetings over the past 2.5 years, where the design plans, financials and details were scrutinized, updated, reviewed, discussed, and multiple opportunities for public input was provided, to today, I have been confident that the LLSBC produced a site plan that incorporates and addresses multiple stakeholders’ advice, information, concerns and issues. Now, as this phase of the project moves forward, I remain confident that the Building Committee will continue to focus on its mission and bring the new Long Lots Elementary School and Stepping Stones Preschool to ultimate completion.

I want to take this opportunity to extend my sincere gratitude to all the participants – the Board of Education, all the land use and funding bodies, Town employees, staff, consultants, parents, educators, and members of the public – all of whom have expended numerous hours, energy, and consideration to making this phase of the project come to fruition. Of course, the work involving construction of this magnitude is just beginning. So, I cannot say thank you enough to the members of the Long Lots School Building Committee, all of whom have served on previous building committees, for the work you have done, and will continue to do, on behalf of our Town and the kids. As a community, we are lucky to have such an experienced group of volunteers who have vast professional expertise, fortitude and patience. Your service is deeply appreciated.