Carpino & Doyle Deliver Legislation Relieving Cromwell of $1.3 Million Bill

HARTFORD — Rep. Christie Carpino and Sen. Paul Doyle said a bill approved by the legislature today ensures Cromwell won’t have to pay back the $1.3 million Department of Education officials claim the town owed the state for the construction of Woodside Intermediate School several years ago. State officials have contended Cromwell spent too much money in building the school, pointing to a Department of Education audit that revealed enrollment projections local officials used in planning the school were not met. State officials said enrollment was short of the goal by a little more than 100. Consequently, the Department of Education officials wanted Cromwell to pay back $1.3 million it provided for the construction of the Woodside Road School.

Carpino worked with state Sen. Paul Doyle, who also represents Cromwell, to create and include language in a larger school construction bonding bill that would relieve the town of this $1.3 million debt.

The legislation, H.B. 1242, was approved Saturday in the House by a 121 to 11 vote.

“This is tremendous news for Cromwell,” said Carpino, a member of the legislature’s Education, Appropriations, and Judiciary committees. “The fact that we were able to relieve Cromwell of this looming debt is something I’m proud of accomplishing. Woodside Intermediate School is a model institution and a project that so many people worked hard on bringing to fruition.”

Hours earlier, Doyle shepherded the legislation through the Senate in a 23-13 vote.

“I am very pleased to be able to help Cromwell avoid such a large and unreasonable penalty. The town should not be penalized for building Woodside School—an excellent building that will serve Cromwell students and teachers very well for many years to come,” said Doyle, Senate Chair of the legislature’s committee on General Law, and a member of the Housing, Judiciary and Regulations Review committees.

The bill awaits signature from Gov. Dannel Malloy.