Branford, Connecticut — Branford Public Schools is preparing for a major transformation of its elementary school system as district officials plan to expand and renovate two schools while eventually closing another.
The proposed changes are part of the district’s master facilities plan, which Superintendent Christopher Tranberg says is designed to address the district’s enrollment needs and create more sustainable school facilities for the future.
If the plan moves forward as expected, Mary Murphy Elementary School and Mary Tisko Elementary School would undergo extensive renovations and expansions, while John B. Sliney Elementary School would eventually be consolidated into the upgraded facilities.
Two Elementary Schools Set for Major Upgrades
Mary Murphy and Mary Tisko are expected to receive significant improvements under the proposed project. Plans call for the schools to gain full-size gyms, larger cafeterias and new pre-K classrooms.
The pre-K expansion is particularly important to the district as Branford works toward a universal pre-K program that would give students throughout the community broader access to public education.
“We’re working towards a universal pre-K program, so we’re adding pre-K classrooms to each of those schools,” Tranberg said.
He explained that the district made changes to its pre-K program last year and plans to continue expanding it. Ultimately, officials want all Branford students to have access to the district’s public education system.
District Projects Stable Enrollment Ahead
The proposed construction comes as Branford Public Schools continues to monitor student enrollment.
Tranberg said that since he joined the district in 2023, officials have conducted two student projection studies. Both studies reportedly indicate that enrollment should remain relatively stable over the next decade.
That projection is helping shape the district’s long-term facilities strategy and its decision to invest heavily in two elementary campuses rather than continue operating a smaller, aging school.
$196 Million Project Could Receive State Funding
The district is currently applying for a state grant, with the application due October 1.
If Branford receives the funding, officials would have two years to begin construction. Tranberg anticipates that construction itself would take approximately two years, meaning the district could be looking at roughly four to five years before an elementary school project is completed.
The overall project is currently estimated at $196 million.
“If all goes as planned, we would receive 72% reimbursement of the total cost of the project, so right now that means 72% of $196 million dollars,” Tranberg said.
That potential reimbursement would significantly reduce the portion of the project costs that would ultimately need to be covered locally.
Nearly 100-Year-Old School Could Close
Once Mary Murphy and Mary Tisko are fully renovated, the district plans to begin consolidation involving John B. Sliney Elementary School.
The Sliney campus is nearly 100 years old and originally replaced the former Branford High School.
Because of its long history in the community, Tranberg acknowledged that many Branford residents have a strong emotional connection to the campus.
“There’s definitely some emotional attachment there but at the same time, the population of the school is too small to maintain it,” Tranberg said.
The superintendent also emphasized that the proposed consolidation is not expected to immediately disrupt most families currently attending the school.
“It’s not actually impacting most of the families that are in the school right now, so we’ve had great support, but we’re going to continue that communication,” Tranberg said. “We’re trying to be as transparent as possible.”
Construction Could Begin in 2028
According to the district’s project website, construction is expected to begin in 2028, assuming the funding and planning process remain on schedule.
For Branford families, the changes represent a significant shift in how elementary education could be organized over the coming years.
Meanwhile, the 2026–2027 school year is scheduled to begin Thursday, August 27, giving families a new school year before the larger facilities changes are expected to get underway.
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