Norwich — Fewer than a dozen residents attended a public presentation Monday when architects presented plans for a $381 million proposal to build four new elementary schools and completely renovate one middle school.

The plan likely will be put to voters in a referendum in November.

After an estimated 67% state reimbursement, city taxpayers’ share of the $381 million project would be $149 million. Taxpayers’ portion would be substantially less than the estimated $225 million “do nothing” option for just repairs and maintenance to the seven aging elementary schools, an unrenovated Teachers’ Memorial Global Studies Middle School and central office building.

Following a presentation by representatives from the architectural firm Drummey Rosane Anderson Inc., or DRA, several residents asked questions and voiced concerns about the project.

Resident Beryl Fishbone said she was concerned about building four new schools at the same time, meaning they all would age at the same time, needing new roofs, windows and heating systems at the same time.

DRA officials said a phasing plan would be used to build the schools, and future capital projects could be grouped together for potential savings.

The proposal calls for building new elementary schools, each housing about 525 students, on the grounds of the Moriarty Environmental Sciences Magnet School, the John B. Stanton School and Uncas School and property where the Greeneville School once stood. Teachers’ Memorial would undergo a complete $99 million renovation to put it on par with the recently renovated Kelly STEAM Magnet Middle School.

School central offices and adult education would move into the vacated Samuel Huntington School. Wequonnoc School in Taftville would become a virtual learning center. The Thomas Mahan, Veterans’ Memorial, Bishop Early Learning Center and central offices in the former John Mason School all would be closed.

Resident Carol Erickson objected to losing the historic 1928 Huntington School as an elementary school. A former Huntington school nurse, she called it a great school setting. School Building Committee Chairman Mark Bettencourt said the old building on a small property cannot meet modern educational standards.

c.bessette@theday.com