Danbury's chief elected official is backing his plan for a major renovation project at the High School.  During a public hearing on Monday, Mayor Mark Boughton told the City Council that the proposed design would essentially give the 9th grade their own building, creating the Freshmen Academy.  He cautioned that it will be a staffing challenge once opened, but he sees no other way to accommodate the influx of students.

The City Council takes up the $53.5 million proposal again in two weeks.  Boughton is pushing for approval to send the idea to a referendum the second week in June. 

An addition to the current building would include a two story gym, an academic floor and a science and computer lab level with the possibility in the future for another level.  62-percent of the cost will be paid for by the state. 

Boughton anticipates construction by November if the weather cooperates, or by the Spring of 2016