Stamford Public Schools Responds To Criticism Over Westhill Student Parking

STAMFORD, CT — Stamford Public Schools realized that eliminating student parking during construction of a new Westhill High School would be an inconvenience, so last fall officials reached out to the school community to communicate the situation.

Students recently circulated a petition requesting that the district push back the start of construction on the new $446 million, which is scheduled to begin on April 1, to after the school year.

Roughly 90 students will be impacted by losing parking privileges starting in April, though the district is working with city officials to find temporary parking for those students, according to district spokesperson Kathleen Steinberg.

"As we shared with the community back in October, the City of Stamford is working with neighboring organizations in an effort to identify alternative parking for Westhill students," Steinberg told Patch. "My understanding is that an announcement should be forthcoming soon about those efforts."

Students complained that they were not involved in the planning for when student parking at the school would go offline, but Steinberg said families were notified last fall.

"The City of Stamford, Stamford Public Schools, and Westhill administrators hosted voluntary meetings for staff and families back in October to discuss the changes that would occur during the current school year, including the elimination of on-campus student parking for about 90 students who have on-campus parking privileges," Steinberg said. "We wanted everyone to have as much notice as possible about these changes, which is why they were communicated out several months ago."

In an Oct. 24 message, Superintendent Dr. Tamu Lucero spelled out the challenges the district will face during the construction project.

"At the same time, we recognize that these projects will require changes to the daily routines of current students, staff, and families at the schools undergoing construction," Lucero wrote. "Beginning in mid-2026 and until the new Westhill opens, there will be no on-campus student parking areas, the Stamford Regional FFA (agriscience) Program will be unable to operate out of its building, and the athletic and marching band programs will be relocated off campus. As plans for the relocation of school programming, athletics, and band are finalized, they will be shared with the Westhill community.

"These changes will call for flexibility, patience, and cooperation from students, staff, and families. Our district leaders, school leaders, and facilities personnel are working closely with the City of Stamford and the new Westhill project team to minimize disruption to current students, staff, and families. The City and SPS will provide regular updates to the Westhill community throughout construction."

Steinberg reiterated those sentiments to Patch, adding that a delay in a project of this size is not possible. The new 450,000-square-foot school is scheduled to be completed for the 2029-30 school year.

"We recognize that the new Westhill construction project will create disruptions to some daily routines for students, staff, and families," Steinberg wrote. "Unfortunately, delaying a project of this scope and complexity is not an option, as there are simply too many contractual deadlines that must be met, including many related to the state's unprecedented grant funding."

For information on the new Westhill High School, including construction updates, click here.