Board approves $305,200 purchase order for mandated transportation to New Canaan Country School
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Summary
The board approved a FY26 purchase order of $305,200 to reimburse the New Canaan Country School for student transportation of New Canaan residents, contingent on a board-of-finance transfer. The reimbursement rate agreed with the school is $1,400 per pupil; the BOE per-pupil cost used for calculation is $1,339.
The Board of Selectmen approved a fiscal-year 2026 purchase order of $305,200 on Nov. 28 to reimburse the New Canaan Country School for transportation costs for New Canaan students enrolled at that private school, contingent on a final transfer approval by the Board of Finance.
Town staff explained the reimbursement process under Connecticut state law: the town requests a student list with addresses, applies the Board of Education’s per-pupil busing cost (this year listed as $1,339), and the private school provides its student list and required documentation. The town and New Canaan Country School agreed on a reimbursement rate of $1,400 per student for FY26; with 18 students, the total request equals $305,200. Staff said the FY26 budget had a $280,000 allocation and that the purchase order exceeds budget by $25,200, for which the town will seek a transfer from the Board of Finance.
Selectmen approved the purchase order with the understanding that payout is contingent on the Board of Finance approving the transfer for the budget shortfall.
Why it matters: Connecticut statute requires towns to provide or reimburse transportation for students attending private schools within the town. The increase in enrollment and cost means a year-to-year budget adjustment.
What’s next: Town staff will submit the transfer request to the Board of Finance to cover the $25,200 difference; payment will proceed once that approval is granted.