Surprise: Old Greenwich School no longer on-time or on-budget
- Guy
- Jan 15
- 2 min read
The "phased occupied" renovation of Old Greenwich School (OGS) was pitched as the pragmatic choice—a way to modernize while keeping the location intact and the costs under control. However, as 2026 rolls in, the numbers suggest that "pragmatic" is becoming synonymous with "pricey."
The rising cost of staying put. When the project was first greenlit, the vision was a $43 million overhaul with a 2025 start date. Fast-forward to today, and the math has changed drastically. At a BET Budget Committee Meeting on January 13, 2026, the OGS Building Committee requested an additional $6.3 million, pushing the total estimated tag to $55 million.
The Financial Fallout:
Budget Hike: A staggering +28% increase from the original approval.
Timeline Shift: The start date has slipped to April 2026, a timeline that may be "aggressive" given the delays.
The Culprit: Initial bids came in well over estimates, forcing a time-consuming re-bid process amidst a climate of rising tariffs and inflation.
What $55 million doesn't buy you. Perhaps the most frustrating part for taxpayers isn't just the price tag but what is being left off the menu.
Exterior Essentials: No new windows and no new roof for sections of the building that desperately need them.
Sustainability Gap: Modern energy efficiencies, such as solar panels, are noticeably absent.
Interior Refresh: The budget excludes new furniture for existing spaces, meaning students will be returning to old desks in an expensive new shell.
The realilty of enrollment declines. The renovation as planned is expected to accommodate 430-440 students. But this year's enrollment at Old Greenwich School is only 395 students and overall enrollment in the Greenwich Public Schools continues to decline. Is this building bigger than needed?
The new build alternative. There is no doubt that this volunteer OGS Building Committee, Chaired by James Waters, has worked tirelessly over the last few years to keep this project "on time and on budget." Their work has been done during a challenging period of rising prices and tariffs. However, a brand-new school was once estimated in the $75 million to $85 million range. As the price tag continues to climb, the phased occupied renovation no longer looks like the bargain it once seemed.
Between the Lines: Perhaps we need to revisit the mission. At what point does a compromised renovation, stripped of modern efficiencies and essential repairs, lose its financial advantage over a right-sized fresh start?