Malloy: State Supports Sandy Hook School Project

With the state's bond commission poised to approve funding for the Sandy Hook Elementary School project, Gov. Dannel Malloy said he and the state would support Newtown in demolishing and rebuilding the school in a statement released Tuesday.

"The tragedy at Sandy Hook Elementary School is never far from our minds," Malloy said. "Over the last several months, we’ve done our best to move forward in a way that honors the memory of those we lost and meets the needs of residents and the surrounding community. Healing from an enormous tragedy like this is never easy.  There are no simple answers, and the challenges are many.  With strong resolve and a determination to move forward, we can do our best to support the people of Newtown."

Residents will vote Oct. 5 on the measure. First Selectman Pat Llodra and Interim Superintendent John Reed are speaking across Newtown this week and next week in hopes of explaining to residents why they feel the decision is the best move.

The first allocation toward construction will be $3.7 million, Malloy said. 

"The Town of Newtown greatly appreciates the support of the Governor’s Office, the Office of Policy and Management and members of the Connecticut General Assembly in providing funds for us to build a new Sandy Hook Elementary School," Llodra said. "This support enables our community to move forward with the right and best plan for schooling 450 grades K-4 students who were so impacted by the horrific violence that took the lives of 20 first graders and six educators.  Having these funds available eases our journey in recovery and helps us grow in confidence for a bright future."

In the same statement, Newtown's state representative delegation echoed their sentiments of Hartford's support and thanked Malloy.

"From the beginning, Newtown’s friends in Hartford have been responsive and sensitive to our needs and have acted upon our collective promise to do what can be done while remaining empathetic to the individual and community losses suffered on Dec. 14," said Rep. Mitch Bolinsky, who added he expects Newtown to "overwhelmingly approve" the measure at referendum Oct. 5.