Board reviews plans to convert Lewisboro Elementary into UPK site; continues evaluation committee 5-0

The Katonah-Lewisboro Union Free School District Board of Education on Oct. 23 reviewed architects’ preliminary plans for repurposing Lewisboro Elementary School as a Universal Pre-K (UPK) site and voted unanimously to keep its LES evaluation committee in place to advance the work.

Lindsay Anthony, president of the Katonah Elementary School PTO and a member of the district Parent Council, opened public remarks by thanking the board for its leadership and for supporting families and teachers. “It’s an honor to be here tonight on behalf of the Parent Council to express our heartfelt gratitude to the members of the Board of Education,” Anthony said.

Board members said the committee and architects (H2M) have concluded that “doing nothing with the Lewisboro Building is not an option,” and discussed options that would reconfigure classroom space for UPK while preserving some town offices and the gym. The presentation and board discussion covered needed roof and infrastructure work, water and sewer solutions, and the potential to site solar panels on a side field under an energy performance contract (EPC).

The superintendent described the expected community benefits of offering UPK locally, including lower out-of-pocket costs for families and smoother transitions into the district’s elementary schools. Speaking about cost context, the superintendent said current UPK program fees for families are roughly $12,000 to $15,000 per child and estimated—using a conservative example—that serving about 100 children in-district could represent about $1.5 million in annual savings for families. He emphasized that those figures were illustrative and subject to formal fiscal analysis.

Board members discussed funding pathways, saying the district may need to consider bonds or draw on capital reserves for construction and renovation costs. The board also flagged that some building sections may need to be mothballed or torn down and that detailed cost and timeline estimates will come from the architects at a future meeting.

After discussion, Marjorie moved and Carolyn seconded a resolution (agenda item 7.02) to continue the Lewisboro Elementary School Evaluation Committee as an ad hoc committee that will work with the facilities and finance committees. The motion passed 5-0.

The board also approved its consent agenda, including Resolution 14.01 to accept a donation from Paul Kosinski of a foosball table for the B Wing. Chair noted students are already using the gift and asked staff to capture photos.

Superintendent remarks and a short roundtable followed, focusing on the district’s pillar of belonging. Board members and a student speaker shared brief reflections on school visits, literacy leadership, sustainability projects and community engagement. The board adjourned after a final 5-0 vote on the motion to end the meeting.

What happens next: architects from H2M are scheduled to return to the November board meeting with more detailed plans and cost estimates; the evaluation committee will continue meeting and coordinate with facilities and finance before any formal project authorization or bond referral.