Update on Planning Process for Proposed Bond Referendum

From Pelham Public Schools: The Board of Education’s Bond Steering Committee will soon review architectural firms and construction managers to assist the District with exploring the costs and feasibility of several capital improvements that may be included in a bond referendum planned for fall 2017.

The planned referendum will include the replacement of the Hutchinson School brick façade and the Board may also consider several other infrastructure upgrades. It is expected that construction managers and architects will be interviewed and a recommendation made at an upcoming Board meeting.

In total, seven architectural firms and four construction managers submitted proposals to the District for pre-bond services.

“The full replacement of the Hutchinson School facade is expected to take at least two summers and it is important that the Board begin planning this project,” said Board of Education President Marianne Gilland. “We believe holding a bond referendum in the fall of 2017 will allow us to begin work in the summer of 2018. In addition to the Hutchinson project, it is important that we explore other capital improvements that may be necessary and before we can settle on a final scope of work, we must have firm cost estimates that we can share with the community.”

The scope of work outlined in the Request for Proposal is as follows, however it is important to note that the Board will engage the community and discuss the benefits of these projects before determining the final scope of work. The consultants will assist the Board and community by providing detailed cost estimates and architectural drawings.

• Building envelope replacement (brick façade, windows and lintels), and the addition of classrooms (to replace the portable classrooms) at Hutchinson School

• Handicapped accessibility at three elementary schools, including the addition of elevators at each of the three elementary buildings
• Cafeteria/multipurpose room additions at four elementary schools
• Air conditioning at four elementary schools
• Addition for performing arts instructional space at Pelham Memorial High School
• Boiler replacements at five schools
• Rooftop air conditioning unit replacements at the Pelham Middle School
• Select Field Renovations

The Board of Education may ask the consultants to review, provide cost estimates and create architectural drawings for additional projects previously recommended by Dr. Giarrizzo, such as adding air conditioning and/or building a new World Language lab for PMHS or building a new library at Hutchinson School.

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