Board of Education February 2, 2026

The New Canaan Board of Education held a regular meeting on February 2, 2026, focusing primarily on school calendar planning, kindergarten enrollment projections, and budget updates related to capital improvements and operational needs. Key procurement-related discussions included the Board of Selectmen's reductions in the capital budget, notably the elimination of $500,000 for paving at East Elementary and cuts to carpet replacement and painting projects. The Board discussed the ongoing implementation of a $1.1 million plus PA and communication system at the high school, including efforts to reduce contingency costs and the absence of subscription fees for ongoing use. A significant portion of the meeting addressed the establishment of a non-lapsing account to fund potential additional kindergarten sections due to rising enrollment, with leasing modular classrooms (six-unit trailers) at an estimated $15,660 per month plus setup costs of about $70,000. The Board unanimously approved setting the high school graduation date for June 16, 2026, and authorized pursuing the non-lapsing account to provide budget flexibility for enrollment-driven needs. Discussions also covered long-term facility planning options, including building a fourth elementary school, renovating existing schools, or maintaining current configurations, with attention to safety and operational impacts of deferred capital projects.