Pittsford Board approves energy performance contract including LED upgrades; rooftop solar at Mendon Center remains contingent

The Pittsford Central School District Board of Education voted to approve an energy performance contract that the district says will deliver long‑term energy savings through LED lighting upgrades, building envelope work and heat‑pump installations, and that includes the possibility of a rooftop solar project at Mendon Center Elementary pending further engineering.

District finance staff presented the State Environmental Quality Review Act (SEQR) resolution for the project, saying the bulk of the work involves lighting replacement and upgrades. Mike Vespe told the Board the energy services company must guarantee savings over an 18‑year period, which underpins the district's approach to financing the work.

Board members approved the SEQR resolution and then the contract itself by roll call; the motions carried. Board roll call identified David Burke, Jeffrey Casey, Emily Kaye, Sarah Pelusio, Renee Sanchez Casaccos and Robin Scott as voting in favor. The Board did not record any 'no' votes during the roll call at the meeting.

Vespe noted the contract package currently includes a potential rooftop solar rooftop project at Mendon Center Elementary but said additional engineering studies are required before the district can commit to that element. He characterized the overall package as an opportunity to coordinate energy improvements with other construction work and as one way to reduce future operating costs.

Next steps include completing any required engineering for the solar option and finalizing contract documents. The approved motions allow the district to proceed with contracting subject to those further technical reviews.

(Reporting note: the Board considered and voted on both the SEQR resolution and the contract at the same meeting.)