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Windham committee advances $750,000 boiler replacement and other 2026–27 capital proposals
Summary
The Windham School Planning & Design Committee reviewed proposed 2026–27 capital projects including $750,000 for new steam boilers and asbestos abatement at Natchaug School, a $250,000 retaining-wall repair at Windham Middle School and $300,000 in additional track-and-turf funds, and discussed funding options and timing.
The Windham School Planning & Design Committee on Feb. 4 reviewed proposed capital-improvement projects for 2026–27 that include replacing Natchaug School’s steam boilers and removing asbestos-lined piping at an estimated cost of $750,000.
Albie Harris reported the existing boilers were installed in the early 1960s and said piping is lined with asbestos; the proposal pairs boiler replacement with piping work and abatement. “District wide — major focus has been dealing with snow removal and ice conditions,” Harris said while summarizing facilities work; he then outlined the CIP requests.
The committee also considered a $250,000 repair of a retaining wall at Windham Middle School and an additional $300,000 for the district’s track and turf project to cover cost escalation and to change the field surface to artificial turf.
Committee members pressed on timing and funding. Catina Caban-Owen asked about the schedule for the Natchaug boilers; Harris said the work would be in the next fiscal year. Gary Fetzer asked whether grants might cover asbestos abatement; Harris said grants have generally not been available for asbestos work. Mary Gallucci noted that the high-school abatement account “may have funds available” and that the state had introduced new environmental cleanup funds that could be explored.
Gallucci also proposed reviewing the town charter to confirm whether CIP funds could be moved between schools if needed. Dr. Iris Gomero said she would discuss projects, funding and state aid with the town manager and Chris Johnson and review financial reports and state funding availability.
The minutes note that a new facilities director accepted the position the previous day; committee members did not take formal votes on the CIP proposals at this meeting.
Next steps: Dr. Gomero will follow up with the town manager and town staff on funding options and report back; the committee will consider formal cost estimates and funding sources before recommending projects for bonding or appropriation.
