East Lyme — Superintendent Jeffrey R. Newton and Board of Education Chairman Timothy Hagen said they will continue efforts to hold a referendum on the schools project either this spring or fall.

In a letter to parents and guardians Wednesday, they addressed the schools project, following an update in December that the projected tax increase came in higher than anticipated.

They said in the letter that their goal is still "to bring the schools project to a successful referendum."

"Continued efforts are occurring to collaboratively work with the town to identify the most affordable plan that brings us needed building updates that are in the best interest of students, staff, families, and our taxpayers," they wrote. "At this time, there has been no change in the Board of Education's adopted plan to build a new Flanders School and renovate as new Niantic Center School. Collectively we continue to look at all costs associated with this plans. The adopted proposal by the Board of Education has not been forwarded to the Board of [Selectmen] to allow for further discourse around cost."

They said the next steps include collaboration among the district, town and design committee to "identify project costs that can meet appropriate needs for our elementary schools"; continued discussions at Board of Education meetings; and adhering "to an aggressive timeline" to file plans with the state by June 30 and hold a referendum either this spring or fall.