School District proposes $139M expansion and renovation plan with four propositions

The Pelham Union Free School District held a meeting on May 6, 2025, to discuss significant infrastructure proposals aimed at enhancing educational facilities across the district. The meeting focused on four key propositions, each designed to address pressing needs within the schools while maintaining tax neutrality for residents.

The first proposition involves a $56 million plan for various upgrades across older school buildings, including roof replacements, masonry work, and the installation of central air conditioning at Colonial and Prospect Hill schools. This project is structured to be tax neutral, meaning it will not increase the tax burden on residents. The work is expected to be staged over three to five years to minimize disruption to the school district.

The second proposition, costing approximately $42.6 million, focuses solely on Siwonoy School. It includes similar upgrades as Proposition 1, along with necessary ADA improvements, such as the installation of elevators and the conversion of existing spaces into a cafeteria. This proposition is contingent upon the approval of Proposition 1.

Proposition 3 proposes a $40 million expansion at the high school and middle school, which aims to create a dedicated cafeteria space for high school students and modernize science labs. Currently, high school students share cafeteria space with middle schoolers, leading to overcrowding. The expansion will also include renovations to existing facilities to better accommodate the growing student population.

Lastly, Proposition 4 introduces a geothermal heating and cooling system at Prospect Hill and Siwonoy schools, although it will not be implemented at the high school due to existing infrastructure limitations. This initiative aims to enhance energy efficiency and sustainability within the district.

The district anticipates that the combined financial impact of these propositions will result in an annual tax increase of approximately $481 for residents, should all proposals pass. The school board emphasized the importance of these upgrades to improve learning environments and accommodate the needs of a growing student body. Community feedback will be sought as plans progress, ensuring that stakeholder input shapes the final designs.