Board approves five-year capital outlay plan after debate over thin reserve

Derby Public Schools trustees approved a five-year capital outlay plan on April 27, 2026, after a contentious discussion about the district's projected reserve. Board member Kathy moved to delay approval two weeks to allow staff to identify $500,000 in possible cuts to bolster a reserve she said looked inadequate; that motion failed 4–2 and the board then voted 4–2 to adopt the plan as presented.

Pamela Kelly, the district's director of finance, told trustees the preliminary year-end balance is an estimate and that a large tax payment comes in June. "I, I can answer what I would choose immediately, because we do have money. We are not buying land in the next year," Kelly said, adding that some near-term projects require moving forward so contractors can be scheduled. Board members who opposed the delay said the district faces significant deferred maintenance — including about $3.4 million in heating and air needs — and that postponing repairs can raise long-term costs.

The approved plan included several projects explicitly authorized that night: Derby Hills structural repairs ($871,478), a Derby Middle School chiller replacement ($527,292), and an El Paso rooftop unit replacement ($75,627). Director of operations Burke Jones explained the Derby Hills work aims to stop ongoing sinking in a north–south corridor and that the district would begin construction the day after school ended. "We will literally start almost the day after school's out, and we will finish in very early August," Jones said.

Trustees debated priorities and alternatives: some asked whether vehicle purchases could be delayed or whether land- acquisition savings might be reallocated. Supporters warned that deferring known maintenance risks emergency failures and higher future costs. The board did not list individual vote names in the public roll call; the motions were recorded as failing 4–2 (motion to postpone) and passing 4–2 (plan approval).