BAGGED LEAF PICKUP BEGINS NOVEMBER 2, 2026 - DECEMBER 4, 2026. WE WILL FOLLOW THE TRASH COLLECTION SCHEDULE. ALL LEAVES MUST BE IN BIODEGRADABLE BROWN PAPER BAGS & PLACED CURBSIDE. LEAVES IN PLASTIC BAGS WILL NOT BE PICKED UP.
During the sixth annual Heating Assistance Awareness Month this November, Thomaston is partnering with Eversource to raise awareness of the programs available to help pay or lower heating bills, and keep homes warm this winter.
If you or someone you know is struggling to keep up with their energy bills, now is the time to get assistance this winter heating season. There is a plan for everyone, including:
Connecticut Energy Assistance Program (CEAP): • Apply to get up to $705 towards your heating bill from CEAP. Apply for CEAP online at CT.gov/heatinghelp or through your local Community Action Agency (CAA). Find your local CAA at 211.ct.org or call 211.
Energy Efficiency: • Take advantage of the Energize Connecticut energy efficiency programs and incentives, brought to you by Eversource, and tips to help you save money and reduce your overall energy use during the colder months. Renters need permission from their landlords to participate in most offers.
Winter Protection: • If you provide proof of qualifying household income or public assistance benefits you receive for at least one household member, your service cannot be shut off between November 1 and May 1.
To find the right options for you, visit eversource.com/billhelp to learn more about these programs. You can also find your local CAA for assistance at 211ct.org or call 211.
Please help us raise awareness by sharing this important information with family, friends and neighbors. Let’s work together to lower your heating bills and stay warm this winter.
Sincerely, Rich Sileo First Selectman Town of Thomaston
Governor Lamont Releases $12.7 Million in State Aid for Home Heating Assistance as Global Oil Supplies Are Causing Prices To Surge
10/13/2026
Supplemental Aid Will Help Eligible Fuel Deliverable Households Receive Additional CEAP Assistance This Winter Season
State Funding Comes Under Sixth Round of Aid Under Connecticut’s Federal Cuts Response Fund
(HARTFORD, CT) – Governor Ned Lamont today announced that he is releasing $12.7 million in state aid from Connecticut’s Federal Cuts Response Fund to supplement the Connecticut Energy Assistance Program (CEAP) this winter season. The action comes as President Donald Trump’s war in Iran is straining global oil supplies, causing prices to surge, and driving up home heating bills, especially for those who rely on deliverable oil to heat their homes.
Administered by the Connecticut Department of Social Services (DSS) with the support of the state’s nine community action agencies, CEAP is the state program that helps low-income households afford to heat their homes during the winter months. It is funded by the federal Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP).
This $12.7 million will supplement the federal dollars allocated for the program this winter season. The funding continues Governor Lamont’s targeted response to provide immediate assistance for Connecticut residents impacted by federal policy changes.
“Families across the U.S. are paying the price for rising heating oil costs driven by President Trump’s war in Iran, and we cannot leave these households out in the cold,” Governor Lamont said. “This additional $12.7 million in state funding means more help for those who need it most, especially people on fixed or limited incomes, including older adults, families with young children, and people with disabilities. I strongly urge Congress and President Trump to allocate more federal dollars for heating assistance this winter as the ongoing war is driving up home fuel costs for everyone across America.”
Connecticut’s approved Federal Fiscal Year 2027 LIHEAP Allocation Plan anticipates serving approximately 94,291 households statewide, including about 32,893 deliverable fuel households. CEAP prioritizes vulnerable households, including those with individuals ages 60 or older, children under age 6, and individuals with disabilities.
DSS Commissioner Andrea Barton Reeves says this supplemental state aid will enable deliverable fuel households to receive their CEAP benefits at the same time, rather than having to exhaust one benefit before accessing the next.
“Thanks to Governor Lamont’s leadership, LIHEAP can now offer eligible households the ability to fill their heating fuel tanks now before prices rise even further and the persistent cold of winter arrives,” Commissioner Barton Reeves said. “We encourage residents to apply early and not wait until they are facing a heating emergency.”
CEAP eligibility and application instructions
Connecticut households may qualify for CEAP if their annual gross income is at or below 60% of the state median income, which is $93,681 for a family of four in federal fiscal year 2027. Households receiving certain means-tested benefits—including SNAP, Temporary Family Assistance, and Supplemental Security Income—may qualify through categorical income eligibility.
Applications for the 2026-2027 heating season are now being accepted. CEAP is an annual benefit, and households must apply each year to receive assistance. There are several ways to apply:
In-person: Appointments are required for in-person visits. To schedule an appointment, call the office of your local community action agency. (Click here for the list of phone numbers) Review the CEAP application (English / Spanish) prior to your appointment and bring all required documents to the appointment.
Those who need assistance finding their local community action agency can call 2-1-1 for help.
The first day for program-paid fuel deliveries is November 2, 2026. The last day to apply for CEAP this winter season is May 31, 2027.
Connecticut’s Federal Cuts Response Fund
Governor Lamont and the Connecticut General Assembly established Connecticut’s Federal Cuts Response Fund in 2025 to ensure that the state remains prepared to respond to significant federal policy and funding changes impacting the state’s residents, businesses, and communities. It is intended as a state-funded resource to respond to these ongoing issues.
As required under the law establishing it, anytime the governor plans to use the fund his administration must first notify the Democratic and Republican leaders of the Connecticut General Assembly. The group of bipartisan legislative leaders then have 24 hours to review the governor’s proposal and may vote to reject it.
The $12.7 million allocation for CEAP announced today is included in the governor’s sixth proposal to utilize the fund since its creation. A letter notifying the bipartisan legislative leaders of the governor’s sixth proposed use was transmitted this afternoon. All five of the governor’s previous proposals to use the fund have been approved by the group.
Following today’s proposed use of the fund, approximately $250.6 million will remain available to respond to future needs.
Eighteen Month Moratorium on acceptance or approval of any application for new sewer connections or increases in permitted flows from existing connections excepting certain users within the sewer service area.
GOVERNOR LAMONT SECURES DISASTER DECLARATION FROM U.S. SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION FOR HOMEOWNERS, RENTERS, AND BUSINESSES IMPACTED BY SEPTEMBER FLOODING
SBA Disaster Designation Granted for Fairfield County and the Contiguous Counties of New Haven County and Litchfield County
Declaration Enables Impacted Individuals, Families, Businesses, and Nonprofits To Apply for Low-Interest Loans To Aid in Their Recovery
(HARTFORD, CT) – Governor Ned Lamont today announced that he has secured a disaster declaration from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) for Fairfield County and the contiguous counties of New Haven County and Litchfield County in response to the flash flooding event that impacted the region on September 13, 2026.
The approved declaration means that homeowners, renters, businesses, and nonprofits in the impacted counties can apply for low-interest loans from the SBA to aid in their recovery.
The declaration comes in response to a request Governor Lamont submitted to the SBA immediately after joint assessments conducted by SBA, state, and local officials determined that the damage from the storm exceeds the criteria necessary to qualify.
“This declaration makes low-interest loans available to homeowners, renters, businesses, and nonprofits so they can recover and rebound from these flash floods,” Governor Lamont said. “I am glad that we’ve been able to secure this funding and encourage anyone who was impacted by this storm to look into this assistance and determine whether it can help you in the recovery process.”
The following groups may be eligible for low-interest SBA disaster loans:
Homeowners: Up to $500,000 to repair their primary residence.
Homeowners and renters: Up to $100,000 to repair or replace damaged or destroyed personal property.
Business owners: Up to $2,000,000 for the replacement of real property, inventories, machinery, equipment, and other physical losses.
Businesses and nonprofits: Economic Injury Disaster Loans of up to $2,000,000 to provide necessary working capital until normal operations resume after a disaster.
How to apply for low-interest SBA disaster loans
Under this declaration, the application deadline for physical damage loans is December 1, 2026, and the application deadline for economic injury loans is July 2, 2027.
Applications may be submitted to the SBA through the following methods:
In-person: A temporary, in-person SBA Disaster Loan Outreach Center will open at the Margaret E. Morton Government Center at 999 Broad Street in Bridgeport beginning October 7, 2026.
It will operate Mondays through Fridays from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.; Saturdays from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.; and it will be closed on Sundays.
Due to prior engagements, it will have adjusted hours of 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. on October 9, 2026; and 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on October 20 and 21, 2026.
It will be closed on October 12, 2026, due to the Columbus Day holiday.
It is expected to permanently close at 4:00 p.m. on October 21, 2026.
Online: The MySBA Loan Portal at https://lending.sba.gov provides applicants with the ability submit applications online, view loan details, check balances, make payments, and access statements.
For further assistance, applicants can contact the SBA’s Customer Service Center by email at disastercustomerservice@sba.gov or by phone at 1-800-659-2955. For people who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability, dial 7-1-1 to access telecommunications relay services.
The Thomaston Economic Development Commission is excited to host its Annual Business Recognition Event in January 2027!
We want to recognize the outstanding businesses that make Thomaston a great place to live, work, and do business. Now is your chance to show your appreciation for a local business that goes above and beyond!
Please take a moment to complete the nomination form and nominate your favorite Thomaston business. Whether it’s a longtime local favorite, a small business that provides exceptional service, or a business that makes a positive impact on our community, we want to hear from you!
Your nomination helps celebrate the hard work, dedication, and contributions of the businesses that make Thomaston special.
Let’s show our local businesses how much we appreciate them!
Submit your nomination and help us celebrate Thomaston’s business community in January 2027! The Nomination Window closes on November 4th 2026!.
Early voting is now underway across Connecticut! The Crescent Art Gallery, located on level 2 of the Thomaston Town Hall, is open to Thomaston voters for early voting from October 19 to November 1. See the attached image for our polling hours.
On November 3, polling will be held in the Lena Morton Gallery, located on Level 3 of the Town Hall.
Find below a sample ballot provided for your reference. For the list of write-in candidates, please visit the Town Clerk's office on Level 3 of the Town Hall. Viewing of the list of write-in candidates is also available by request at the polling place during early voting and on election day.
Not registered to vote yet? It isn't too late. Same Day Registration is available in the Registrar of Voters office on Level 4 of the Town Hall during early voting and on election day. Check your voter registration status online at https://portaldir.ct.gov/sots/LookUp.aspx
Need an absentee ballot? As of 2026, absentee balloting is available to all eligible Connecticut voters. Visit or call the Town Clerk's office to request an absentee ballot.
Thomaston is one of 43 towns served by the Western CT Coalition (WCTC), a Regional Behavioral Health Action Organization dedicated to improving mental health, reducing substance misuse, and connecting residents with community resources. WCTC is now inviting adult residents to take a brief, anonymous survey to help shape prevention and support services across our region.
**Why it matters:** Survey responses help regional and community organizations like WCTC better understand adult health trends, community strengths, emerging issues, and prevention needs in western Connecticut. Your input directly informs the programs and resources that serve Thomaston and neighboring towns.
**What to know:** - Open to adults **18 and older** - Takes about **14 minutes** to complete - **Anonymous** — you can skip any question you'd rather not answer - Survey closes **October 1, 2026**
This project was made possible with funding from multiple contracts with the CT Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services. Questions or concerns can be directed to WCTC at admin@wctcoalition.org.
We encourage Thomaston residents to take a few minutes to share their voice — your input helps ensure community members' experiences and priorities are reflected in WCTC's work across the region.
*Learn more about the Western CT Coalition at wctcoalition.org.*
The Thomaston passport program is open to all Thomaston residents, neighbors and visitors. The program begins July 4th and ends on September 3rd with drop box locations at the Thomaston Town Hall Land Use Office and Thomaston Public Library. Varying levels of prizes totaling over $500 will be announced on September 13th.
Postcards are available at all 44 participating locations, and there is no cost or obligation to participate, simply visit the location to get your card stamped. Be sure to put your name and contact information on the card so we can contact you if you are a prize winner.
The Town of Thomaston and Connecticut State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO), invite residents to learn about a proposed National Register of Historic Places nomination for the downtown. National Register listing is an honorary status, which celebrates places with important local history. Downtown Thomaston has a wealth of historic resources, worthy of recognition. The historic community spaces, businesses, mill housing, and mill complexes all contribute to the Town’s identity and unique character.
Jenny Scofield, National Register Coordinator for SHPO, and Renee Tribert of Preservation Connecticut will provide an overview of the National Register program and benefits of designation.
The electors and those persons eligible to vote in town meetings of the Town of Thomaston, Connecticut, are hereby WARNED AND NOTIFIED that a Special Town Meeting will be held in the Town Hall, in the Lena Morton Gallery, 158 Main Street, Thomaston, Connecticut, on Thursday, June 18, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. for the following purposes:
ITEM 1. As recommended by the Board of Selectmen and the Board of Finance, to approve a Municipal Solid Waste and Recyclable Materials Collection Agreement with CWPM LLC of Plainville, Connecticut for a term of five (5) years beginning July 1, 2026 at the annual cost as specified therein to be appropriated by the town in the annual budget for each fiscal year for said purpose; and to authorize the Board of Selectmen and the First Selectman to enter into said agreement and takes all steps necessary or convenient for said purpose.
ITEM 2. Pursuant to Chapter 247, Article IV “Tax Incentive Program,” Sec. 247-12 and Sec. 247-13 of the Code of the Town of Thomaston, as recommended by the Economic Development Commission and the Board of Selectmen, to consider and act on a tax abatement agreement with Four Seasons LLC, for 82 South Main Street, for a term of five (5) years beginning in 2026 and to authorize the First Selectman and Board of Selectmen to execute all documents necessary or convenient for said purpose.
ITEM 3. As recommended by the WPCA Commission, the Board of Finance and the Board of Selectmen, to authorize the First Selectman and Board of Selectmen to combine of the positions of Highway Superintendent and WPCA Superintendent as one position, and to authorize the First Selectman and Board of Selectmen to execute all documents and take all steps necessary or convenient for said purpose, on the condition that said positions may be re-established as separate positions in the future if determined to be necessary by the First Selectman, Board of Selectmen and Board of Finance.
ITEM 4. As recommended by the Planning and Zoning Commission pursuant to CGS Sec.8-24, the town of Thomaston acting pursuant to CGS Sec.13a-48, hereby accepts Grove Heights as public street as the same now exists for a distance of 225 feet westerly from its intersection with Grove Street as shown on a proposed plan of Grove Manor Apartments dated May 19, 1983 on file with the Town Clerk, meaning and intending to confirm its prior acceptance through common law dedication, public use and maintenance.
ITEM 5. As recommended by the Planning and Zoning Commission pursuant to CGS Sec.8-24, the town of Thomaston acting pursuant to CGS Sec.13a-48, hereby accepts Terrace Road as public street as the same now exists for a distance 155 feet easterly from its intersection with Tracy Street, meaning and intending to confirm its prior acceptance through common law dedication, public use and maintenance.
Copies of the resolutions and relevant documents are on file and available for inspection at the Office of the Town Clerk.
Dated at Thomaston, Connecticut this 4th day of June 2026.
BOARD OF SELECTMEN
______________________________ Richard Sileo, First Selectman
______________________________ Michael Burr, Selectman
The Tax Office will be CLOSED Tuesday, June 30, 2026 for Year-End Processing.
All other Town Hall offices will be open for regular business. However, they are unable to accept any tax payments.
If you have back due taxes and would like to have your payment posted on June 30, 2026, you may go to the Post Office and mail your payment, but please be aware of the new USPS POSTMARK RULE and request to have your envelope hand-cancelled at the counter.
We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.
Payments for the 2025 Grand List Year can be made, beginning on Wednesday, July 1, 2026, the following ways:
Notice is hereby given to the taxpayers of the Town of Thomaston that the first installment of Real Estate, Personal Property and Motor Vehicle tax bills on the Grand List of October 1, 2025, are due and payable July 1, 2026.
The last day to pay these taxes to avoid penalty interest is August 3, 2026. Per State Statute 12-145, interest of 1.5% per month payable from the due date, with a minimum charge of $2.00, will be applied to all delinquent bills. The interest rate applies per month or fraction of each month until paid.
Pay in Person: Town Hall Hours: 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday, Tuesday & Wednesday 8:30 a.m. – 6:30 p.m. Thursday Closed on Friday
Pay by Mail: Tax Collector 158 Main Street Thomaston, CT 06787 Please be advised of the USPS Postmark Rule Change CLICK HERE
Pay Online: Town of Thomaston WebsiteCLICK HERE We accept credit/debit card, Apple Pay, Google Pay, Paypal, Venmo, and EFT (processing fees apply).
Pay at Thomaston Savings Bank (TSB): Thomaston locations only: 203 Main Street or 508 South Main Steet TSB will only accept payment for the current bill during the collection month only. Please bring your original bill when paying at a TSB location.
The Naugatuck Valley Council of Governments (NVCOG) is inviting residents, students, and visitors to help define the region’s identity through a regional photo contest supporting the development of the Naugatuck Valley Regional Plan of Conservation and Development (NVRPOCD). The plan is a long-range document that guides growth, preservation, and community priorities over the coming years.
The contest seeks photographs that capture the people, places, and experiences that define life in the Naugatuck Valley Planning Region. Submissions may reflect Architecture, Arts & Culture, Community and Places of Belonging, Environment, Entertainment & Leisure, Public Events, and/or Transportation across the region. Selected images will be used to visually support the NVCOG’s long-term planning efforts and to illustrate the themes and priorities reflected in the NVRPOCD.
Submissions are open now through 11:59 p.m. on June 30, 2026. Participants may submit up to three digital photographs through an online submission form at https://arcg.is/1G5OSr2. The contest is open to adults aged 18 or older, as well as high school students in grades 9 through 12 who have parent or guardian permission.
One winning photo will be selected from each of NVCOG’s 19 municipalities: Ansonia, Beacon Falls, Bethlehem, Bristol, Cheshire, Derby, Middlebury, Naugatuck, Oxford, Plymouth, Prospect, Seymour, Shelton, Southbury, Thomaston, Waterbury, Waterton, Wolcott, and Woodbury. Winners will receive a $25 gift card to a local establishment in the town where the photo was taken. Selected images may also be featured on the NVCOG website, social media platforms, and in future official planning publications.
Full contest rules, submission guidelines, and required photo release forms, including forms for high school student participants and any identifiable individuals appearing in submitted photos, are available at https://nvcogct.gov/project/photo-contest/.
The Dept. of Housing requires us to complete this report and post it to the Housing Authority's website or the Town's website. Please click below to view the report.
The Naugatuck Valley Corridor Economic Development District (NVC EDD), in partnership with the Naugatuck Valley Council of Governments (NVCOG), has released the draft 2026-2031 Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) for public review and comment.
About this Strategy
The CEDS serves as the region’s economic development roadmap and identifies priorities, strategies, and implementation actions intended to strengthen the regional economy, support job growth, improve infrastructure and transportation systems, encourage workforce and housing initiatives, revitalize downtowns and industrial properties, and enhance long-term economic resilience.
How to Participate
The draft CEDS is available on the NVC EDD page of the NVCOG website for a 30-day public comment period beginning May 12, 2026 and ending June 11, 2026.
Members of the public, partner organizations, businesses, municipalities, and stakeholders are encouraged to review the document and submit comments, recommendations, or suggested revisions.
The Thomaston Police Department is seeking qualified POSTC Certified Police Officer candidates for vacant Full-Time and Part-Time Police Officer positions. Salary and benefits determined by Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) in effect thru June 30, 2028. Lateral Transfers begin at Grade B and increase to Grade A after 2 years. Current Grade B Salary 7/1/26 thru 6/30/27 $80,028. Apply online at PoliceApp.com
Thomaston Police Department is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
The Town of Thomaston will be holding a public hearing to discuss the annual town budget for FY 2026-2027 on Tuesday, April 14, 2026 at 6:30 PM in the Thomaston Center School auditorium, 1 Thomas Avenue, Thomaston, CT. Copies of the full text of the budget are available for inspection at the Office of the Town Clerk and town website www.thomastonct.gov
Website and email address change. Please update your browser bookmarks & Contact email addresses.
The Town of Thomaston will switch from its current “.org” web address to a domain ending in “.gov,” the most common practice of official government websites. The town’s use of a .org address was unusual among governments, and the change to .gov will bring a number of benefits in security and credibility.
There are several advantages to a .gov account:
Enhanced Security – .gov domains are reserved for verified government entities, reducing the risk of fraud and phishing attacks.
Greater Public Trust – Residents can be confident they are using an official town website for government resources and services.
Improved Searchability – .gov websites are prioritized in search engine results, making it easier for residents to find important information.
Stronger Email Security – Official town government email addresses will now use @thomastonct.gov, improving protection against phishing and spoofing.
The transition will take place on March 3, 2026, and the new address for the town’s home page will be thomastonct.gov. For a brief transition period, the old address will work, but residents should prepare for the deactivation of the old address.
Please update your browser bookmarks & Contact email addresses.
New Monthly Income Limits - Effective March 1, 2026
To view or print a larger copy of the image below, please click HERE or click the PDF document listed under resources on the right side of your screen.
Firstly, I would like to thank our amazing first responders, including our Public Works crew and those first responders from the surrounding towns that have been working all night to put the fire out and secure the site.
Thankfully, no one was injured.
There are no words to describe the feelings of sadness and loss that we are all feeling. We lost several businesses that make up the fabric of Thomaston and help to define Thomaston’s downtown. However, there is one that is the singular icon for our town and that’s Patti’s Place. This pain will take time to pass. Please send your prayers to Patty and Mike.
Please know that you will smell smoke in the area for some time. If smoke is an irritant for you, please avoid the area or stay inside.
Thank you to all those that have already rallied together to support our community. There will be more work to be done.
CWPM did not send trucks out yesterday, Monday, January 26th due to the amount of snowfall. They will begin picking up today (Tuesday) and do their best to have all the routes caught up to not be a day off. As they have asked us to do, we are alerting all residents that are serviced Tues- Friday know that they should be there on their normal day.
PLEASE BE ADVISED of the USPS POSTMARK RULE CHANGE and how it could affect the timely receipt of your tax payments.
According to the new rule, postmarks generally reflect the date that a mail piece is first processed by USPS automated sorting equipment, which could be one or more days after mailing.
For example, even if you drop your payment in a USPS mailbox on the last day to make a payment without interest, it will be considered late because the postmark will be applied one or more days later.
To avoid this delay in USPS postmarking, you are encouraged to go to the Post Office and request a hand canceled postmark at the counter.
The Thomaston Public Library is excited to share a community survey to gather your input about the Library itself as well as its programs, events, and offerings. Please fill it out so we can make 2026 and beyond even better!
There will be no trash/recycling collection on Thursday, November 27th (Thanksgiving Day). Collection will be one day off with Thursday's pick on Friday and Friday's pickup on Saturday.
Light Up Thomaston Celebration First Saturday after Thanksgiving (November 29th) 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. (parade begins at 5:30 p.m.) It's a night of FREE family fun. Come join us.
THE REVALUATION IS NOW COMPLETED FOR OCTOBER 1, 2025. YOU WILL BE RECEIVING A NEW ASSESSMENT LETTER IN THE MAIL SHORTLY. PLEASE DO NOT CALCULATE YOUR ASSESSMENT BY THE CURRENT MILL RATE. FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE REVALUATION PLEASE CLICK HERE
We’ve had lots of progress over the past month. Here are a few highlights of our progress.
Demographic Study
As a key part of the Feasibility, we hired a demographer (CropperGIS) to build a population model to forecast what our school population will be over the coming 10 years. The complete report can by found here. The most important findings are as follows.
The resident total fertility rate for Thomaston Public Schools over the life of the forecasts is below the replacement level. (1.18 vs. the replacement level of 2.1). This is a key finding that support our declining population of school aged children.
Most in-migration to the district will occur in the 0-4- and 22-39-year-old age groups.
The local 18-22-year-old population continues to leave the district, moving out to college. Another migration outflow is in the 75+ age groups, as empty-nester housing turnover continues to be a driver of migration flow.
The primary factor causing the district’s enrollment to decrease over the next 10 years is the low fertility not sufficiently supplanted by in-migration.
Changes in year-to-year enrollment over the next ten years will primarily be due to varying size of cohorts entering, moving through, and leaving the school system.
The median age of the district’s population will increase from 45.1 in 2020 to 45.7 in 2035.
The rate, magnitude, and price of existing homes will continue to be the major factor affecting the amount of population and enrollment change.
Total district enrollment is forecasted to decrease by 88 students, or -10.8%, between 2024-25 and 2029-30. Total enrollment is forecasted to then decrease by 52 students further, or -7.2%, from 2029-30 to 2034-35.
A more comprehensive synopsis of the analysis completed my DRA (our vendor guiding the overall study) can be found here.
Town Surveys
The project team created four surveys to gather feedback on the suitability of the current school infrastructure. The surveys were anonymous; answers cannot be traced back to the respondent. The survey was hosted by a third-party, not be the Town or Thomaston Public Schools. There was one survey for each type of stakeholder. They are as follows.
Teacher & Staff
Parent & Guardian
Students
Residents & Business
A comprehensive synopsis of the analysis completed my DRA is as follows.
Online surveys were conducted concurrently and engaged four different constituent groups. Surveys were geared towards Parents & Guardians, Teachers & Staff, Residents & Businesses, and Students in grades 3 through 12. Surveys were anonymous and restricted to one answer per URL. The open period for participating was September 12 to October 20, 2025; students could respond through October 22nd.
Response rates were very good, with 72 from teachers & staff, 129 from residents & businesses, 65 from parents & guardians, and 143 from students.
The respondents to the survey for parents showed 71% of the respondents have lived in Town for 11 or more years, with 35% having been in Town for more than 20 years.
For residents the result was 77% stating they have lived in Town for 11 or more years, with fully 70% having been in Town for more than 20 years.
This level of longevity indicates that responses will be based on knowledge and experience of the town over a considerable period of time.
Parents & Guardians reported having children in all grades except the transitional program. Distribution amongst grades ranged from 3% in Grade 3 to 10% in Grade 11.
Given the range of grades in Thomaston High School it is not surprising to see that 51% of parents and guardians report their student(s) attends the high school. Blackrock Elementary had 24% while Thomaston Center School at 22%, 1% responded as ‘Out of District’.
This distribution across the entire grade range provides insight into all aspects of the District’s facilities and programs.
Those attending out of District schools responded with Waterbury Arts Magnet (2), Lakeview High School (1), District 15 (2), and Oliver Wolcott Technical High School (2).
The Waterbury Arts, Wolcott Technical High School, and Lakeview High School each offer focused curriculums not offered in Thomaston as well as facilities oriented strongly toward teaching that particular subject matter.
Familiarity with the Thomaston Public Schools was 8.25 out of 10 for residents/businesses. This level of familiarity helps to bolster the validity of the other responses within the surveys.
Familiarity with the District’s facilities ranged from 7.4 to 8.17 out of 10 for parents/guardians and residents/businesses, respectively.
That said, the residents/businesses respondents feel the Thomaston Public School System ranks only at 5.08 out of 10 as an attraction for families or businesses to move into town. This is actually slightly higher than the response to how the District is perceived by residents and non-residents, which totaled 4.82 out of 10; this same question returned a 5.58 out of 10 when answered by parents/guardians.
The overall conclusion derived from the results is that the majority of respondents feel they know the buildings and grounds well and that the facilities do not reflect well on the Town or District.
Most teachers responded that the spaces in which they work support their efforts.
Students responded with less support for the condition of the facilities.
Looking to the future the direction should be to anticipate a shift in teaching modalities to one more computer based, to a curriculum that embraces evolving work paradigms, and to enhance the perception of the facilities and programs to those who live in town as well as prospective residents.
Community Workshop
We held our first community workshop on October 23rd. We had a great turnout. We greatly appreciate everyone that attended and took part in our workshop sessions. We have recap of the workshop herealong with the following key areas of interest.
REDUCE – Members of the three breakout sessions identified this as an area for additional discussion. (Noted in all three breakout sessions).
SHARE – Meeting participants asked for further exploration of shared services as a means to develop a more efficient District. (Noted in 2 of 3 breakout sessions).
REGIONALIZE – Members of the three breakout sessions identified regionalization as something that may have a great impact on the District. Some clarified that this impact may be both highly positive, as well as highly negative. (Noted in all three breakout sessions).
These areas of interest will be focused on as the team continues the study effort and prepares for Community Meeting 2 | Options and Alternatives.
During the workshop we review the Facilities Assessment & Master Plan that was completed in July of 2024. This report details all of the repairs that are required over the coming 20 years. This report is what prompted the need for the Feasibility Study. Several of the workshop attendees asked to review the Facilities Assessment & Master Plan. This document can be found at the link below.
Waterbury, CT – The Naugatuck Valley Council of Governments (NVCOG) invites residents to participate in a series of public meetings on September 9, 10, and 11 to review designs for nine culvert and drainage projects across the region. NVCOG has been working with local governments in Ansonia, Middlebury, Naugatuck, Oxford, Seymour, Shelton, Thomaston, Waterbury, and Wolcott to design upgrades for failing culverts & drainage systems that cause flooding. These hybrid meetings will offer participation options for community members to attend in-person or virtually on Zoom. NVCOG will share the preliminary designs that have been developed based on site visits, hydrologic studies, and public input from meetings in December 2024.
These projects are part of the NVCOG’s efforts under the State Department of Energy and Environmental Protection’s Climate Resilience Fund, which seeks to create a pipeline of shovel-ready projects eligible for federal implementation grants. Working with member municipalities, the NVCOG prioritized sites at risk of flooding as identified in the Multijurisdictional Natural Hazard Mitigation Plan.
The nine project sites include culverts and drainage areas across the region. NVCOG has worked with Luchs, a local engineering firm, to study these areas, design preliminary solutions, and identify federal funding sources for implementation. Additionally, NVCOG partnered with the environmental nonprofit Save the Sound to conduct aquatic organism passage assessments, ensuring that the improved road-stream crossings work for wildlife as well as people.
You can use the links below to open the Elm Street presentation and the two alternative plans that were presented at the recent informational meeting back on August 14th.
The Registrar's office will be open on Friday, August 22 from 2:30PM until 4:30PM for in-person registration of voters to be eligible to vote in the September 9 Republican Primary. This is also the cut-off date for mail-in registration by noon. Active Republican voters are eligible to vote early or on Primary Day. Early Voting as well as the Republican Primary will be held in the Senior Center on the first floor of Town Hall.
Early Voting Days and times are as follows:
Tuesday, 9/2 8AM until 8PM
Wednesday, 9/3 10AM until 6PM
Thursday , 9/4 8AM until 8PM
Friday, 9/5 10AM until 6PM
Saturday, 9/6 10AM until 6PM
Sunday, 9/7 10AM until 6PM
Republican Primary Day is Tuesday, September 9 6AM until 8PM
UPDATE: August 20, 2025: The Town Hall Clay Street entrance is now open.
Until further notice, the Town Hall Clay Street Entrance is closed for repairs.
The Town Hall Offices are open during regular business hours and can be accessed from either the Main Street entrance or the back parking lot entrance.
There will be NO trash/recycling pickup on Monday, May 26th in observance of Memorial Day. Trash/Recycling pickup will be one day off all week (i.e. Monday's collection will now be Tuesday and so on). Pickup will be Tuesday - Saturday.
