Cheshire plans new buildings, carries costs for retired sites as energy contract awaits special legislation
Summary
District will add about 72,000 square feet with two new buildings while carrying Darcy and Chapman through Dec. 31, 2026 at roughly $100,000 in costs; an energy performance contract and solar work depend on special legislation to unlock school construction grants.
The Cheshire School District told the board it will retire Darcy and Chapman and demolish the old Norton while bringing new Barnum Elementary and New Norton online, adding roughly 72,000 square feet of interior space.
COO Emily Taylor said the district expects about $100,000 in carrying costs for Darcy and Chapman through Dec. 31, 2026 to maintain utilities and allow time to move equipment. A board member asked who would pay for plowing and similar services after the district vacates; Taylor said the town would assume those costs after turnover.
District staff and Vin Massiana discussed an energy performance contract (EPC) that could cover efficiency upgrades and solar. Massiana said an executed EPC "would be a budget neutral change" if the construction grant and other credits come through, but cautioned the project hinges on securing special legislation and the state construction grant. Administration estimated potential external funding in realistic scenarios at roughly $6'$7 million in school construction grants, about $4 million in Inflation Reduction Act tax credits, and additional utility credits.
Officials said some efficiency work could proceed without the special legislation, but most work and the potential solar rollout depend on the grant and timing. The district will pursue special legislation and continue vendor discussions with Johnson Controls, Energia and finance partners.
