"Today is a great day for the city of Danbury and the future of the Danbury Public Schools," Mayor Dean Esposito said Tuesday evening, calling the outcome of the referendum a "win" for the entire city.
"I am so honored by the overwhelming support that the residents have shown for our children," he said.
With about 7 percent voter turnout, the referendum passed with 2,641 votes in favor and 433 against the educational bond package.
The package includes $164 million for a career academy on the city's west side and $44 million for other school infrastructure projects like a new building to house a centralized, standalone pre-kindergarten program.
Tuesday's referendum was the latest step in a race to build enough classroom space for Danbury's burgeoning student enrollment, which jumped 5.6 percent in 2019.
The career academy will accommodate about 1,040 high school and 360 middle school students, and make Danbury the first in the state to incorporate a career-academy model of workforce training for all high school students.
The hope is to open the academy on the first day of school in August 2024, when high school enrollment could jump as much as 10 percent — from 3,400 to 3,750.
Esposito said Danbury's new career academy model will "revolutionize" the city's education system and broaden opportunities for all the city's students.
According to the mayor, the districtwide model will contain six academies: emerging technologies and entrepreneurship, scientific innovation and medicine, information and cybersecurity, professional and public service, communication and design, and art, engineering and design.
At least $27 million of the $208 million borrowing package will go toward the construction of a 16-classroom early childhood education center at Great Plain Elementary School. Officials say the pre-kindergarten addition will not only free up space in the city's elementary schools, but get Danbury out of expensive leases.
"I want to thank Superintendent Kevin Walston for his partnership and support during this entire process, as well as state Rep. David Arconti and our entire state delegation for securing the 80 percent reimbursement rate on eligible costs," Esposito said.
Staff writer Rob Ryser contributed to this story.
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