What is the GRIFFIN MEMORIAL SCHOOL Project?

A solution to address the physical deficiencies, both operational and educational, of the current elementary school that balances the educational and financial needs of the Litchfield community.

What IS THE SELECTED OPTION?

Watch Community Forum #4 to learn more about the selected option (a renovation / addition of Griffin Memorial School for grades PK-4)

WATCH COMMUNITY FORUM #4
VIEW THE PRESENTATION PDF

What Options HAVE BEEN Studied?

Explore Renovation and/or Additions
to Griffin Memorial School for
Grades Pre-K-4.

Explore Renovations and/or Additions at Griffin Memorial School & Campbell High School that results
in reconfiguration of grade spans at all 3 schools.

Project Process

PROJECT HISTORY

Click the + symbol to the right of each project milestone to read a brief description.

  • Facilities Study completed by Team Design (now Harriman)

  • Educational Specifications for a new Griffin Memorial School being explored at the time. Educational Specifications were developed with Harriman as consultant.

  • Performed by Harriman.

  • Performed by Harriman and JCN.

  • A referendum asked voters whether they supported replacing Griffin Memorial School with a new Pre-K-5th Grade School. The referendum did not pass.

  • At the March 2024 election, Warrant Article 1 (building a new school to replace GMS) did not pass. 

  • Since the concerns at GMS that led to Warrant Article 1 being proposed still remained, a new facilities improvement committee was formed and tasked with determining how the community would like to proceed.  

  • The committee is made up of a diverse mix of community residents working alongside representatives from the School Board, Budget Committee, Board of Selectmen, and School Personnel. 

    The Mission of the Facilities Improvement Committee is to advise the Litchfield School Board in decisions related to upkeep, maintenance and improvement of Litchfield School District Properties, Sites, and Facilities. This committee commits to soliciting opinions and expertise from all individuals who may guide the Town of Litchfield in best providing the necessary physical plant for the education of our students.

    The Facilities Improvement Committee will foster a collaborative space and opportunity to address the upkeep, maintenance, and improvement of all Litchfield School District facilities. Through a fact based discovery process, the committee will advise the school board about necessary actions while considering the impacts of all stakeholders necessary and involved.

    As a subcommittee of the Litchfield School Board, any motion or vote of the Facilities Improvement Committee is to act as advisory for consideration by the elected Litchfield School Board. 

  • The Facilities Improvement Committee (FIC) formed a survey to aid in the group’s mission of providing the best physical plant for the education of Litchfield students. A primary use of the survey is to help the committee gain a more focused direction, driven by the residents, for the future of Griffin Memorial School.

    The survey was open from September 2024 to December 6, 2024. 870 total responses were received. 853 responses were deemed usable by the FIC.

    Survey results are available on the Data & Documents page of the website.

  • On-Site Insight performed Capital Needs Assessments for Griffin Memorial School, Litchfield Middle School, and Campbell High School. Their reports can be found on the Data & Documents page.

  • The FIC presented the findings of their Needs Assessment to the School Board, including the two options determined to move forward. It was determined that a consultant should be brought on via an RFP process by mid-October to target a March 2026 referendum.

    The two options are to:

    Explore renovations and/or additions to Griffin Memorial School for Grades PK-4.

    OR

    Explore renovations and/or additions at Griffin Memorial School & Campbell High School that results in reconfiguration of grade spans at all three schools.

  • Litchfield School District issued a Request for Proposal (RFP) soliciting preconstruction services for the renovation of (and possible addition to) one or more Litchfield Schools.

    The RFP was issued May 22, 2025, with proposals due July 3, 2025.

  • Harriman was brought on as the Architecture/Engineering firm to oversee the project. Together, with the Building Advisory Committee, the FIC, school stakeholders, and community members, we will be working to evaluate options and identify a community-supported facilities solution to address the needs of Litchfield’s schools.

RANKED
PRIORITIES

Harriman worked with a variety of different stakeholders to understand perspectives on the priorities of this project.

Stakeholder groups included: Griffin Memorial Staff, Litchfield Middle School Staff, Campbell High School Staff, Facilities Improvement Committee (FIC), and the Consultant Interview Committee.

GMS STAFF

  1. Safety & Security

  2. Economically Responsible

  3. Educational Equity

  4. Sustainability

  5. 21st Century/“Future Focused” Educational
    Best Practices

  6. Community Engagement

LMS STAFF

  1. Safety & Security

  2. Educational Equity

  3. 21st Century/“Future Focused” Educational
    Best Practices

  4. Economically Responsible

  5. Sustainability

  6. Community Engagement

CHS STAFF

  1. Safety & Security

  2. Educational Equity

  3. 21st Century/“Future Focused” Educational
    Best Practices

  4. Economically Responsible

  5. Sustainability

  6. Community Engagement

FIC

  1. Economically Responsible

  2. 21st Century/“Future Focused” Educational
    Best Practices

  3. Educational Equity

  4. Safety & Security

  5. Community Engagement

  6. Sustainability

ADVISORY COMMITTEE

  1. Economically Responsible

  2. 21st Century/“Future Focused” Educational
    Best Practices (2/3 tie)

  3. Safety & Security (2/3 tie)

  4. Educational Equity

  5. Community Engagement

  6. Sustainability

COMMITTEE MEMBERS

  • Facilities Improvement Committee

    Joe Lessard - Citizen Co-chair

    Dan Dewitte - School Board Rep

    Denise McHugh – Citizen Rep

    Jason LaMountain – Citizen Rep

    Joe Jozitis – Citizen Rep

    Marilyn Wade – Citizen Rep

    Raymond Peeples – Citizen Rep

    Rich Lascelles – Citizen Rep

    Keri Douglas – Budget Committee Rep

    John Burnelle – Selectmen Rep

    Brian O’Connell – Superintendent

    Dan Mitchell – Principal (GMS)

    Jen Grantham – Principal (LMS)

    Jen Michitson – Principal (CHS)

    Peter Plansky – School Board Rep

  • Advisory Committee

    Joe Lessard – FIC Citizen Co-chair

    Dan Dewitte – School Board

    2nd School Board Rep - Rotating

    Denise McHugh – Citizen Rep

    Marilyn Wade – Citizen Rep

    Dan Mitchell - Principal (GMS)

    Brian O’Connell – Superintendent

    Julie Darling – Business Administrator

Meet the Consultant Team

  • Lisa Sawin

    AIA, LEED AP, BD + C
    Principal-in-Charge
    Harriman

  • Jamie Ouellette

    AIA, LEED GA
    Project Manager
    Harriman

  • Emilie Waugh

    Community Outreach Coordinator
    Harriman

  • Rob Prunier

    Executive Vice President
    Harvey Construction Corporation

    Griffin Memorial School has served generations of Litchfield families, and we recognize the importance of making thoughtful, long-term investments in its future. Our approach is rooted in collaboration — bringing together educators, architects, and residents to create a plan that balances vision, practicality, and fiscal responsibility.

  • Bill Stevens

    President
    Harvey Construction Corporation

    We’re proud to be working with the Litchfield School District to evaluate Griffin Memorial School and help define a clear, responsible plan for its future. Our goal is to support the community in developing a project that enhances learning environments, improves building performance, and earns the confidence of Litchfield voters in March.

  • Keith Kelley

    Vice President & Director of Preconstruction and Planning
    Harvey Construction Corporation

    Our team is focused on helping the District fully understand its options — from renovation logistics and cost modeling to potential phasing and scheduling. By providing accurate data and open communication, we aim to equip decision-makers with the information needed to bring a well-developed plan forward to the March ballot.