Pelham board splits on geothermal at bond talks; consultants flag tariffs and cost uncertainties

Pelham Union Free School District trustees spent a major portion of their March 12 meeting debating possible components of a proposed capital bond, focusing attention on a Sibonoy elementary addition, a high school expansion, campus infrastructure, and whether to include geothermal heating and air-conditioning work.

Why it matters: The bond package will determine the district’s multi-year facilities program, which affects classroom capacity, code- and accessibility-related upgrades, and long-term operating costs for heating and cooling. The board did not adopt a final scope but directed administration and consultants to prepare alternate bond packages for the next board meeting.

What the board discussed: Architects and consultants reviewed a multi-part scope that included a district-wide infrastructure package, an addition and renovation option for Siwonoy Elementary, a high school addition to add cafeteria/meeting space and updated science labs, and proposals to add air conditioning to elementary schools. Staff also presented geothermal systems as a low-carbon,…