July 27, 2026 BOE Special Meeting

The Darien Public Schools Board of Education held a special meeting on July 27, 2026, focusing on several key operational and strategic topics. Significant procurement-related discussions included updates on the HHR elementary building project nearing completion and plans for a Middle School facility study and long-term capital project needs, including a bus depot. The board reviewed enrollment projections for the 2026-27 school year and approved setting 108 elementary classroom sections based on current enrollment and class size guidelines. A detailed transportation study was presented, outlining multiple bell schedule scenarios with associated operational challenges, costs, and impacts on staffing and community logistics. The board discussed the financial implications of adding buses under different scenarios, with one option potentially adding $2.6 million annually. They agreed on the need for further community engagement through surveys and focus groups to assess preferences and impacts before making decisions on schedule changes. Additionally, the board reviewed proposed goals for the 2026-27 year, including overseeing contract negotiations, budget delivery, and capital projects. Meeting schedules for 2027 were also proposed to better align with the Board of Finance calendar to avoid conflicts during budget season.