Board of Education consultants propose three-phase facilities plan with $194M–$328M price range

New Canaan, Conn. — Consultants retained by the Board of Education presented a three-phase facilities plan at the July board meeting that envisions a new elementary school, renovation of existing elementary buildings and a retrofit to rehouse preschool and central office functions; the top-end cost estimate presented ranged to about $328 million. The Board of Education’s consultants (M&P Planning and SLAM Collaborative) outlined a phased approach: build a new elementary school for roughly 470–500 students on the town-owned Smith Ridge Road parcel (referred to in the presentation as the Clark property), renovate the three existing elementary schools and retrofit Saks for expanded pre-K and central-office relocation. Why it matters: The plan would require a major capital investment, limited state reimbursement (the consultants estimated 5%–10% of eligible costs) and likely multi-year financing and approval steps. If the board pursues the plan, it will affect town capital planning, potential bonding and school enrollment management. The consultants’ cost estimates (presented as ranges) included a high-end estimate of approximately $109 million for a single new elementary school in Phase 1, about $65 million for Phase 2 renovations, and roughly $23 million for Phase 3 retrofits and central-office moves; consultants summarized the total program at roughly $194 million on the low end to about $328 million at the high end. The presentation emphasized limited state reimbursement, estimated in the range of 5%–10% for qualifying school construction costs. Council member Maria Naughton reported on the board meeting to the Town Council: "Phase 1 is to build a new elementary school that would house 470 to 500 students. The estimated cost for that was, the the top number was 109,000,000," she said. She noted the presentation was a study and required no council action at this time. Next steps: This item was informational. The Board of Education and staff will decide on any follow-up, including further design study, budgeting and public outreach about capital needs. Council members asked staff to share the full presentation and cost backup; Maria Naughton directed residents to the Board of Education website for the full report.