Pelham board holds state-mandated budget hearing; May 20 ballot to include budget, property purchase and four bond propositions

The Pelham Union Free School District Board of Education held a state-mandated budget hearing at its regular meeting on May 7, 2025, and reminded residents that the district’s budget vote and related propositions will be on the May 20 ballot.

Board member Jackie opened the meeting by saying, “This evening, we'll hold our state mandated budget hearing, which is a standard part of the annual budget process,” and reminded the public that May 20 is election day with multiple items for voters to decide. The ballot items listed by the board include the 2025–26 school budget, a proposed acquisition of property on Franklin Pray Place, four capital improvement bond propositions and the school board election.

Superintendent Dr. Callahan and other administrators said the hearing follows state requirements and is part of the district’s annual budget process. Assistant Superintendent of Facilities Jim provided updates elsewhere in the meeting on capital projects tied to facilities work the bonds would help fund, including a turf replacement at Glover Field and scheduled HVAC upgrades aimed to begin in the summer.

Board members and administrators described the bond steering committee’s recent meetings. The committee, which includes community members from the neighborhoods affected by proposed work, heard from the district’s architect and construction manager and reviewed preliminary designs limited to the 2% design detail allowed before a voter approval. A board member said the committee answered questions and expects to reconvene after the May 20 vote.

Administrators emphasized that additional detail about state aid was still being finalized at the time of the hearing. Jim said initial state budget runs indicated the district “may see a little bit more money,” but final numbers were not yet available and would be shared when confirmed.

The board also noted that information sessions and materials are available on the district website and encouraged voters to attend information sessions and the May 20 vote.

The board recessed the business meeting to convene the budget hearing later in the agenda and reconvened the business meeting after the hearing; those procedural motions were approved by the board during the meeting.

Looking ahead, board and district officials said they will continue to post bond and budget FAQ material and invite voters to information sessions in the run-up to the May 20 election.