After several meetings throughout March and April, the Department of Education has adopted a newly proposed $96,290,000 district-wide budget that the people of Pelham will voice their opinions about on May 20th in the voting booth. The budget includes a 3.48% tax levy to raise revenue. The budget’s goal pertains to 4 propositions, the first of which includes money allocated to infrastructure improvements at all schools, and specifically, air conditioning systems to Prospect Hill and Colonial Elementary. The second proposition, which can only be passed on the stipulation that the first proposition passes, sets aside money for an expansion of Siwanoy Elementary that includes ADA upgrades and air conditioning. Proposition 3 provides an expansion to the PMHS building, and can only be passed if the first proposition is passed first. Lastly, proposition 4 aims to employ geothermal heating systems in Prospect Hill and Siwanoy Elementary.

Proposition 1 aims to update much-needed infrastructure at Siwanoy, Prospect Hill, PMS, and PMHS. The boilers at many of these schools are at the end-of-life and need urgent replacement. The proposition also aims to fix any roofs, masonry, and windows that are allowing any water infiltration. Additionally, it includes a plan to place air conditioning systems in Colonial and Prospect. Proposition 2’s main objective is to expand and update Siwanoy Elementary. This is not possible under the law unless the building is brought up to ADA standards. ADA standards include all renovations that would allow students and adults with disabilities to enter the Siwanoy building comfortably. These renovations would involve an elevator system and ramps in and around the school. Along with ADA standards, boilers and piping would be replaced, as well as an expansion of the building. Proposition 3 looks for a third-floor expansion of PMHS and connects it to PMS along Ingalls Field. This expansion is propelled by a lack of instructional space at the school, as well as a lack of cafeteria space. This change would include 8 new science labs that deliver a modern science curriculum. Finally, proposition 4 aims to add more environmentally friendly geothermal systems at Siwanoy and Prospect in comparison to more traditional ways of heating and cooling. Being voted on a separate proposition is the acquisition of 29 Franklin Place, across the street from the PMHS. Buying this house includes the $1.45 million in price as well as $400,000 in renovations. Renovations would include turning the house into an office space as well as bringing it up to ADA standards. The idea behind buying this property is to move the office from the Sanborn Map building, which is currently being rented by the school. This would save the school an estimated $175,000 in recurring rent, according to Dr. Champ. 

Dr. Champ believes that the budget’s passing is essential to carrying out the initiatives in her plan: personal growth and achievement, belonging and wellness, and facilities & sustainable learning environment. Along with her five year plan, she states the budget as a means to continue Pelham’s “rich and robust course offerings, and do so in a way that is fiscally responsible to our residents.”