THE LATEST MEETING UPDATES

  (Full meeting minutes and other BOE info can be found on the district site here.)

 

 

 
 
 
February 26 Board of Finance Meeting:
 
On February 26, the Board of Finance ("BOF") continued its review of the BOE budget. The BOF had asked Dr. Luizzi to provide details regarding district staff headcount that has been added in recent years, questioning whether the BOF has had sufficient visibility, and asking whether an extra 30 headcount have been added without sufficient transparency for the BOF. Dr. Luizzi presented a proposed process improvement, whereby staffing plans in the budget will now show what was approved in the current year's budget, in addition to what is being requested for the next year. Dr. Luizzi noted that 11 of the 30 added positions were substitute teachers that were disclosed in backup materials but not in the staffing plan itself (their salaries were accounted for in the actual monetary budget requests). 
 
There was discussion of the fact that the budget, once approved, is a block amount. This provides a certain amount of flexibility throughout the year for the administration as they manage to the overall budget. Dr. Luizzi pointed out that a budget request is an itemized estimate, and cannot account for every potential future scenario. For example, special education costs are individualized based on the needs of students, and can't be fully predicted. Certain members of the BOF questioned whether there is too little transparency from the administration and potentially too much cushion in the budget. They requested additional transparency in the budget process, asking that they have more visibility into not just costs but also savings. 
 
The BOF also questioned why district staff headcount has increased by 51 full time employees in recent years while there has been a corresponding decline in the total student population in the district (200 fewer students). Dr. Luizzi responded that the special education program has dramatically increased and accounts for much of the cost and headcount increase. The BOF requested that Dr. Luizzi provide a more detailed report, which he promised to prepare.
 
The BOF had previously requested that Dr. Luizzi find ways to reduce the BOE's requested budget for next year by $2 million. Dr. Luizzi proposed a reduction of $800,000, using the following levers: (1) $200,000 reduction by having the Food Services budget include benefits for Food Services workers (their salaries are already accounted for in this budget); (2) adjusting the estimated turn over savings upward from $150,000 to $500,000; and (3) adjusting the budget estimate for out of district placements for special education students down by $250,000. 
 
The BOF requested that Dr. Luizzi come to the next meeting on March 3 with additional savings opportunities identified.

 

February 2 Meeting:
 
The BOE met on February 2. The Board first discussed the calendar for the rest of the school year, given the amount of snow days to date. State law requires a minimum of 180 days of school, and district policy is generally not to extend beyond the third full week in June. The last day of school is currently June 18, which is 182 days of school. Dr. Luizzi noted that if there were up to three additional snow days, a day of school could be added on June 19. If there are more than three additional snow days, April break might be shortened.
 
Dr. Luizzi then provided an update on Kindergarten enrollment for next year, providing  data regarding how many enrollments there were as of February 2025, and how many registrations there were in the fall of 2025. Dr. Luizzi noted that the data is just information and shouldn't be relied upon. As of February 2025, East School had 93 registrations, had 112 enrollments in the fall, and as of February 2026 has 93 registrations. South School had 73 registrations in February 2025, 99 enrollments in the fall, and there are 77 registrations currently. West School had 67 registrations last year in February, had 77 enrollments in the fall, and current has 88 registrations. 
 
Dr. Luizzi reported that the Board of Selectman reduced the capital budget request by about $1.8 million, removing the following requested line items: (1) $1.2 million for a new communication system at Saxe; (2) $500,000 to pave the parking lot at East School; and (3) $100,000 for carpet repair and painting. The Board of Selectman does not want to install a new communication system at Saxe until there is clarity on the scope of potential renovations to that building. 
 
The Board approved Tuesday, June 16, 2026 at 10:30am as the New Canaan High School graduation date, with a rain date of Wednesday, June 17, 2026.
 
The Board also approved the establishment of a non-lapsing account prior to April 1, 2026 to provide flexibility for costs relating to increased kindergarten enrollment. Dr. Luizzi said he would request $750,000 in initial funding, which would provide for the lease of six trailers at East School, among other items. 
 

 

January 20 Meeting:

 

The Board met on January 20. The Board heard a comment from a member of the public, the parent of a neurodivergent child, who expressed concerns that her child has been misunderstood and mischaracterized by the system. The Board then accepted two donations from the South School PTC totaling $23,295 for courtyard renovations. The Board also accepted a donation from the NCHS PFA in the amount of $7480 to fund a presentation by Tanner Clark, a speaker who encourages students to find one second of strength to rise above distractions and take control of their future. The Board then adopted the Superintendent’s 2026/2027 budget proposal, which will be presented by Dr. Luizzi to the Board of Selectmen on January 29. The Board also heard a statement of accounts.

 

January 5 Meeting:

 

The Board met on January 5 and approved the Resources & Facilities Special Committee Charter and the Curriculum Special Committee Charter. The Board then accepted, as a first reading, the Superintendent’s 2026/2027 budget proposal. The proposed budget is $118,283,765, an increase of $4,486,495 (3.94%) from the prior year. Salaries and benefits account for $97,949,345 of the proposed budget (82.8%), and contractual personnel costs account for $3,800,000 of the total $4,486,495 increase (85%).

 
The proposed 2026-2027 capital budget request is $4,961,043. Capital projects include resurfacing playgrounds at Saxe and East, installing a new public announcement system at Saxe, updating technology in the schools (e.g., smart boards), and continuing to replace aged school vans. The proposed budget includes $1,250,000 to repave parking lots at East and Saxe, a cost that may be subsumed by the town's public works budget.
 
Dr. Luizzi discussed enrollment projections for next year. Because of uncertainty regarding enrollment next year, the current proposed budget assumes the same Kindergarten enrollment levels as this year. Dr. Luizzi proposed creating a non-lapsing strategic enrollment account that would provide flexibility for funding as needed due to increased enrollment. Dr. Luizzi outlined different potential scenarios at each of the elementary schools next year. If there is increased enrollment at East School, portable classrooms may be utilized. If there is increased enrollment at West School, up to two pre-kindergarten classes may be relocated to South School. Dr. Luizzi noted that of all three elementary schools, South School currently has the most extra room and flexible spaces.
 
 

 

December 15 Meeting:

 

The Board met on December 15, 2025. The Board approved a motion for Dr. Rachel Harrison to join as a new member of the Board of Education to serve out the remainder of Mr. Matt Campbell’s term after his resignation on November 24, 2025.

 

The Board also heard an update on insurance claims and projections. The NCPS plan is self funded, which means the district is responsible for all costs and claims and therefore needs to maintain a reserve in case claims are higher than expected. The district does have stop loss protection for catastrophic claims. Claims for next year are projected to increase due to general increases in healthcare costs.

 

The Board heard a statement of accounts and then approved, as a second reading, Budget Assumptions and Related Priorities for FY 2027 Budget Development and the 2027-2028 School District Calendar. The Board also approved motions to dissolve the following BOE committees: Communications Committee, Resources Committee, and Facilities Committee. The formerly separate Resources and Facilities Committees will be reconstituted as one new combined committee, the BOE Resources & Facilities Special Committee. Dr. Luizzi noted that in dissolving the Communications Committee, there is no less of a focus on communications but that a decision was made that a BOE committee is not needed for that area. The Board also approved a motion, as a first reading, to approve the creation of a new BOE Curriculum Special Committee and adopt its charter. Dr. Luizzi noted that this new committee will meet regularly to gain insights into curriculum development across the district.

 

 

December 8 Meeting:

 

The Board met on December 8, 2025 for a budget workshop in which each of the schools gave an overview of budget drivers for next year. At Saxe, due to a slight decrease in enrollment, staffing is down compared to last year. There is a request for increased funding for middle school extracurricular activities as many are currently at capacity. The high school will request funding for textbooks and the phones free initiative. Multiple teams noted that inflation and price increases due to tariffs continue to impact the budget.

 

The district is closely monitoring Kindergarten enrollment for the 2026-2027 school year. Dr. Luizzi noted that two different demographers are both predicting increased enrollment for next year, but that the predictions vary widely with regard to how much the increased enrollment will actually be. The district has therefore been creating short term and long term scenarios for each elementary school based on potential projected enrollments. Depending on next year's actual enrollment numbers, portable classrooms may need to be utilized at East School next year. Dr. Luizzi noted that of all the elementary schools, South School currently has the most flexibility and could potentially house some pre-kindergarten classrooms if West School needs more space. Dr. Luizzi suggested that the Board create a non-lapsing account of up to 2% of the annual budget (around $2 million) that would allow the district to adjust with more agility depending on actual kindergarten enrollment for next year.

 

Dr. Luizzi further noted that there are three options for the long term: (1) build North School and renovate the existing three elementary schools and Saxe, returning to a K - 5 elementary school model; (2) renovate the existing elementary schools only (Dr. Luizzi noted that this may pose challenges given that the schools are already either at maximum capacity or very close to it); or (3) do nothing (Dr. Luizzi advised against this option).

 

 

 

December 1 Meeting:

 

The Board heard a legislative update from a representative of the Connecticut Association of Boards of Education. The Board accepted, as a first reading, the Budget Assumptions and Related Priorities for FY 2027 Budget Development. The Board then moved to accept, as a first reading, the 2027-2028 School District Calendar. Dr. Luizzi noted that for the 2027-2028 academic year, Yom Kippur falls on the same day as Columbus Day. He further stated that the calendar extends spring break through Monday April 17, which is the day after Easter Sunday, noting that school attendance is historically poor on the day after Easter.

 

The Board then accepted a donation from the Saxe PTC in the amount of $59,099.55 for furniture for the Saxe cafeteria lobby, and accepted a second donation from the Saxe PTC in the amount of $9,998 to fund the Saxe 8th Grade Bash. The Board also accepted a grant from the New Canaan Community Foundation in the amount of $5,000 for the Lenore Skenazy “Developing Independence and Confidence in Our Kids” presentation and follow-up programming. The Board then adjourned to executive session to discuss a confidential memo.

 

 

November 17 Meeting:

 

The Board met on November 17, 2025. Phil Hogan was voted in as Chair, Lara Kelly was voted in as Vice Chair, and Erica Schwedel was voted in as Secretary. Matt Campbell read a statement and then resigned as a Board member and exited the meeting. The Board then heard a Facilities Conditions Assessment Report regarding the five school buildings in the district, looking at a fifteen (15) year period. The condition assessment is based on what needs to be either repaired or replaced in order to keep or restore the buildings to their original state. Over a fifteen year period, the total across the district is estimated at around $267 million, with priorities for the next seven (7) years totaling an estimated $100 million. The assessment for South School is around $26.5 million over 15 years.
 
The Board heard a Statement of Accounts and then accepted a donation of fifty-seven (57) laptops from the Beiline Group LLC, valued at around $15,000, for use across the district. The Board also accepted a donation from the New Canaan High School PFA in the amount of $10,000 for fall grants (e.g., grants for classroom and educational supplies).

 

October 20 Meeting:

 

The Board met on October 20, hearing a moment of gratitude for outgoing Board member Penny Rashin. The Board then heard an Assessment Report on Grades 3 - 8 from Dr. Correnty. Per various federal and state laws, students are assessed in English Language Arts (ELA) and Math in grades 3 - 8 and annually in high school. Students must also be assessed in Science in grades 5, 8, and once in high school. State testing includes the Smarter Balanced Assessment, which is given to students in grades 3 - 8 and assesses English Language Arts/Literacy and Math. In the 2025 school year, 87.6% of students met or exceeded expectations in ELA and 87.8% of students met or exceeded expectations in Math. These results were overall the highest in New Canaan's district reference group (DRG) (which includes peer towns such as Darien and Westport) and the highest in the State.

 

Students also take the Next Generation Science Assessment in grades 5, 8, and 11. In 2025, 84.9% of students in Grade 5 met or exceeded expectations and 85.6% of students in Grade 8 met or exceeded expectations. The scores of students in Grade 5 were first in New Canaan's DRG and second in the State. The scores of students in Grade 8 were second in the DRG and third in the State.

 

Board members asked Dr. Correnty about the length of recess, as compared to other peer districts, and she responded that the length of recess in our district is aligned with other districts. Dr. Luizzi will gather data for the Board regarding how often breaks are taken during the school day and how often outdoor learning centers are used.

 

The Board then heard a Statement of Accounts and approved a donation of $65,062.24 from the New Canaan All Sport Booster Club to fund additional Fall Coaching positions. The Board then adjourned to Executive Session to discuss collective bargaining agreements with the New Canaan Administrators’ Association and the United Public Service Employees Union Teachers Assistants. The Board moved to accept tentative agreements with each of these organizations.

    

October 6 Meeting:

 

The Board met on October 6 and heard an Assessment Report on NCHS from Principal Egan and members of various departments at NCHS, including World Language, CTE, English, Math, Social Studies, and Special Education. Average SAT scores in ELA and Math are over 600, and of last year's graduating class, 97% of students attended a four year college. When applying to colleges, 44% of students chose not to submit SAT or ACT scores. At NCHS, 86% of students will take a college level course, which include AP courses and CT State Community College courses. Twenty-nine AP classes are offered and 95% of students score a 3 or more on the exams. In addition, approximately 40% of graduating seniors will earn a Seal of Biliteracy. Across NCHS, teachers and staff continue to engage in professional development and also continue to look at how artificial intelligence can be used and its impact on the educational environment. For instance, the Social Studies Department is teaching students to write better prompts and the English Department is developing new curriculum initiatives to adjust writing instruction in the age of AI.

 

The Board approved a $15,320 donation from East School PTC to restore the walking trail next to East School, and also approved a charitable donation of $25,000 from the Amy Browning towards the Chris Browning Endowment to be used to support NCHS students interested in pursuing theater as either a college major or a career after high school.

 

September 15 Meeting:


The Board met on September 15, first hearing an update on the Model United Nations program at NCHS. There are multiple overnight trips planned throughout the year, including a trip to the Hague International Model United Nations (THIMUN) conference in January. NCHS is one of four participants from the U.S. and is the only public high school in the U.S. invited to THIMUN. The Board approved the proposed overnight trip to THIMUN at a cost of between $4,000 - $5,000 per student for the 8 night trip.

 

The Board next approved a Model Congress Club overnight field trip for NCHS students to participate in a conference in February at Columbia University. The club, which is in its fourth year, focuses on civics, government, political science, and public speaking. The Board also approved a proposed overnight trip for the NCHS Wind Ensemble to Boston in March, during which the students will work with musicians at the Boston Conservatory and attend a concert by the Boston Symphony Orchestra.

 

Next the Board heard a Summer Projects update from the Facilities Department. One of the more significant capital projects was the installation district-wide of a new cleaning system that uses an electro-chemical activation process to modify water and salt brine to create two products: a disinfectant and a degreaser. When these solutions are diluted, six various daily cleaning and disinfectant products can be created. The savings from making cleaning products in-house will be around $50,000 - $60,000 per year.

 

The Board also heard an overview of projects conducted by the district's in-house maintenance department, including the installation of a new water heater at South School. All three elementary schools also received new refrigerators and walk-in freezers.

 

The Board then heard an End of Fiscal Year report. As of June 30, 2025, the Operating Fund Expense Actual totalled $108,377,974, coming in under the total budget of $109,145,974. A balance of 768,000 will therefore be returned to town's General Fund.

 

Items that came in under budget included custodial and maintenance overtime, legal contract services, purchased services, and some transportation costs. Items that came in over budget included electricity.

 

Finally, Dr. Luizzi gave a quick update on the recent transportation challenges. The district is trouble shooting the routes that exist currently, which were built using a new software system that had incomplete data and faulty assumptions. The district is also creating a new system from the ground up with the correct data and assumptions, and will then import the routes from last year to use as a base. After the data is updated, the bus tracker app will be launched, but that launch is still at least a few weeks away.

 

September 2 Meeting:

 

The Board met on September 2 and heard a staffing update, including that 34 new teachers were at the teacher induction ceremony. Dr. Luizzi then provided an update regarding transportation issues, stating that the use of a new software had brought significant challenges, which the district was working to triage before doing a full review and a root cause analysis.

 
Each principal in the district then gave a school opening report. Principal Kascak reported a smooth first week at South School and noted that this year will be the 75th anniversary of South School which originally opened in September 1950. South has a new technology integrator and two long term substitute teachers, one in the second grade through the end of December and one in special education for the whole year. Principal Kascak reported that the composting program would continue and also that 60 pounds of produce have been harvested from the garden so far this year, with 48 pounds donated to the residents of the Schoolhouse Apartments. 
 
The Board then accepted a donation from the New Canaan Community Foundation in the amount of $25,000 for students participating in the “cookie program.” Finally, a member of the community noted that their family had been experiencing significant transportation challenges.

 

August 18 Meeting:

 

The Board met again on August 18 and heard an update regarding the DOME at NCHS, which opened under 2 years ago. This past year, the DOME has been increasingly utilized in school curriculums and also by the community. The DOME will soon receive a major software upgrade which will allow the district to expand its elementary school offerings so that more students can engage with the DOME at earlier ages. The software will also allow for more community engagement (for example, public shows) and will further support students in developing and creating their own content such as music, arts, and video games.

 

The Board approved, as a second reading, the 2025-2026 District Goals and Objectives. The five main goals continue to be: student learning, communications, teacher quality, climate and safety, and stewardship. The Board then approved an amended BOE Calendar of Meetings for 2026.

 

July 14 Meeting:

 

On July 14 the Board heard a Facilities Capacity Presentation from MP Planning Group, which looked at current conditions and trends and evaluated options for the future, recommending a three phase approach.

 

In Phase 1, a new elementary school, North School, would be built. This phase will cost between $98 - $109 million (potential reimbursement from the state of between $8 - $9 million) and would be completed at the earliest in fall 2030. In Phase 2, the three existing elementary schools would be renovated and modernized and would move to a grades K-5 alignment. This phase is projected to be completed in fall of 2031 and would cost between $75 - $196 million (the current cost estimates are broad because detailed assessments of building conditions and needs have not yet been completed) with a potential state contribution of $4 million - $10 million. In Phase 3, the lower level of Saxe Middle School would be renovated to house the Pre-K program (currently at West) and districtwide central offices. Saxe would move to a grades 6 - 8 alignment. This phase would cost between $18 - $21 million, with a potential $3 million contribution from the state, and would be completed at the earliest in fall of 2031.

 

Only one undeveloped town-owned lot of land, the Clark Property located on Smith Ridge Road, was identified as being large enough to support a new elementary school. Redistricting will need to occur to balance enrollment at the four schools. The new attendance zones would be finalized in fall of 2029 and it is expected that they will result in shorter bus rides for students.

 

The rationale for building a new elementary school and renovating the existing elementary schools included an analysis of current and projected building utilization rates, the length of time since the existing schools were last renovated (1997), and the goal of moving to a K-5 and 6-8 grade configuration, consistent with peer districts. While a building utilization rate between 90-95% is ideal, East School is currently already at 99.6% utilization. NCPS is projected to see elementary enrollment grow by 9% (140 students) over the next six years, which will increase utilization rates at West and East Schools to over 100% and bring South School's utilization rate up to 97%. Utilization rates this high would have operational impacts including larger class sizes and the need for shared rooms for specialists. Renovating the three existing schools would bring them into parity with the new North School and would also align these facilities to the district's current 21st century educational program and needs, including spaces designed to meet the needs of an increasing number of special education students. The presenters also noted that peer districts, including Westport and Darien, have each recently invested in building new elementary schools.

 

The Board also heard an update regarding hiring for the 2025/26 school year, learning that 32 certified hires had occurred across the district. The Board also accepted a donation from the New Canaan Rams All Sports Booster Club in the amount of $7,000 to support a new scoreboard at Dunning Stadium. The Board then approved, as a first reading the 2025-26 District Goals and Objectives and the 2025-26 BOE Meeting Schedule.