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Board approves sending two‑proposition capital project to May ballot after debate over field lights
Summary
The board voted to submit two capital propositions — expedited infrastructure and broader STEAM, classroom and athletic upgrades — to the May 19 ballot. Public commenters urged splitting controversial LED field lights onto a separate line; trustees approved the resolution to proceed.
The Pleasantville Union Free School District board voted Tuesday to submit two capital propositions to the May 19 ballot after administrators described a $17.5 million project spread across building, safety, STEAM and athletics upgrades.
Administrators divided the work into two propositions. Proposition One covers expedited infrastructure items the district characterizes as urgent — high‑school auditorium lighting upgrades, HVAC and pump replacements, PA/phone improvements, security enhancements and track and turf replacements. "These are the particular items that the community agreed need to be done as soon as possible," a presenter said.
Proposition Two includes additional BRS outdoor‑space improvements (natural grass, accessible playground equipment), district STEAM and maker spaces, science classroom renovations and athletic improvements including resurface work and LED field lighting. Presenters said the project is planned to be tax‑neutral and that approximately 53% of the borrowing is expected to be reimbursed by state aid.
The most contentious element raised during public comment was LED field lighting. Jonathan Cunningham, a district resident, urged the board to move lights to a separate ballot line because he said the item is more controversial than the other components and could jeopardize support for STEAM and playground improvements. "Put the lights on their own line and let them fend for themselves," he said.
Board members replied that feedback from the community is mixed, and that separating items is not a simple technical or strategic fix at this late stage. Trustees noted the project is split by priority but defended pairing complementary facility improvements to present a coherent plan to voters.
Formal action: Trustees approved a resolution directing submission of the two propositions to the May 19 annual district meeting and election. The resolution carried on a board vote during the meeting; the record in the meeting shows the motion moved, seconded and approved by the board that night.
Why it matters: Capital projects determine the district’s physical learning environment for years. The proposed work addresses aging systems, classroom safety and instructional spaces (STEAM and science), and the lighting debate underscores differing community priorities.
Next steps: The district will publish ballot language and continue community forums and project‑specific tours (BRS tour on April 14; field/lights walk on April 27). Voter registration deadlines and instructions were reiterated during the meeting.
