Following years of public debate in the Town of North Stonington, on Monday, March 18th, Wheeler Middle/High School staff and students celebrated their first day of classes in their new facility.

QA+M Architecture was selected in 2016 to design the $38.5-million project, a product of a district-wide project that took 13 years of discussions and two referendums, the second of which won the support of the town by a 1,352-611 vote in February 2018.

One year later, students are enjoying improvements such as higher-security doors, touchscreen smartboards, and laboratories that allow the school to offer AP Chemistry courses. The project also upgraded the music rooms and gymnatorium, including new locker rooms, bleachers, training room, and fitness center.

Phase two of the project, set to finish in 2020, includes the renovation and an addition to North Stonington Elementary School. Phase three, beginning this summer, includes a roof replacement to the old high school, which will house Central Administration and the Board of Education.