Greenwich Public Schools has unveiled a proposed capital budget of $38.8 million for the 2025-2026 fiscal year, setting ambitious goals to enhance educational facilities, ensure student safety, and modernize technology across the district.
This budget reflects a significant investment in the infrastructure needed to support learning environments, keeping the safety and preparedness of students at the forefront of the district’s priorities.
The budget earmarks $15.4 million for New Lebanon School, covering essential construction, design, and site work. Central Middle School will receive $8.4 million for vital HVAC and electrical system upgrades, aiming to improve air quality and energy efficiency. Greenwich High School is allocated $4.5 million to renovate its auditorium and improve accessibility, providing an inclusive space for performances and events. At Cos Cob School, $3.5 million is dedicated to a new roof and masonry repairs, ensuring the building's structural integrity. District-wide, the budget includes $2.5 million for technology upgrades to bolster digital learning resources, along with $1.5 million for enhanced security measures, reinforcing safety on all campuses. Additionally, $1 million is set aside for improvements to transportation facilities, supporting efficient and safe student transit.
The distribution of funds within the budget breaks down into several categories, reflecting the district’s balanced approach to supporting various areas. Construction and design projects constitute the largest share at 60%, amounting to $23.4 million. Technology and security initiatives follow, claiming 10% or $4 million. Facilities maintenance accounts for 9% of the budget, totaling $3.4 million, while transportation enhancements represent 3%, or $1 million. To accommodate unforeseen expenses and maintain flexibility, the budget reserves 18%, or $7 million, in contingency funds.
The approval process for this budget is scheduled to begin in December 2024, with the Greenwich Board of Education set to conduct the initial review. The Town of Greenwich will then review the proposal from January to February 2025. A final decision is expected by March 2025. Should the budget gain approval, project planning and design are slated to start in Spring 2025, followed by construction and implementation from Summer 2025 through Fall 2026.
Superintendent Dr. Toni Jones emphasized that this budget represents a forward-looking investment in Greenwich’s educational landscape, ensuring that facilities not only support current students but also lay the groundwork for future readiness. The proposed plan will undergo review and refinement in the coming months, providing an opportunity for the community to engage with and shape the district’s vision for the future.
