Editor’s note: This press release was provided by the Pelham Union Free School District.

As we press forward through this difficult year, we wanted to share some very exciting news with regard to the implementation of the 2018 capital improvement bond. Earlier this month, site preparation began at Prospect Hill to make way for an addition to the school. This addition will be built to the right of the Main Entrance when facing Prospect Hill. When complete, the two-story extension which is designed to blend with the rest of the building and neighborhood, will include a new elevator to provide accessibility, student bathroom renovations and accessibility upgrades, a double-door security vestibule and additional meeting and learning space for students and staff.

We are extremely pleased to be moving forward with this work and are similarly excited about the progress made toward the other projects included in the bond, please see below for updates on the other projects.

New Hutchinson School

Throughout the fall, significant progress has been made on the new school, which remains on target to open in the fall of 2021. With the steel structure complete, contractors are now working to finish the facade and roof, at which point their attention will turn to the interior of the building. The District is working on purchasing furniture for the new classrooms and learning spaces and preparing for students to transition to the new school next school year.

After the new school opens, demolition of the current building will commence to make way for the new field and playground.

More photos are available on the District website.

MS/HS Exterior Renovations

Over the summer and fall, contractors completed masonry repairs on the middle and high schools, which will prevent future water intrusion and further damage. Additionally, the roof on the PMHS annex building, which connects the high school and middle school, was also replaced. Earlier this school year, additional necessary masonry repairs were identified near the main entrance to the high school and the District is working with its architect to develop a scope of work and address these areas.

HS/MS Interior Renovations

After postponing the conversion of District offices in PMHS into classroom space last spring due to the pandemic, the work is now expected to begin later this school year. Once work begins, some District administrative offices will relocate to 314 Pelhamdale Avenue. The HS/MS renovations will create a dedicated orchestra rehearsal space, six new classrooms as well as science lab upgrades. The District is hopeful that this project will be completed early next school year.

Glover Complex

Installation of a new synthetic turf field and replacement of the tennis courts were completed this summer, allowing both to be used by varsity athletes and recreation programs during the fall. During the work, the need to replace a culvert pipe running below the field was discovered and the District recently approved a contractor to complete this project using already approved bond funds. Once the pipe is repaired, contractors will complete the field project by installing a batting cage and bullpen. We look forward to seeing our athletes out on the fields and courts again soon.