Board amends capital plan to add $1.425 million for turf, approves roof specs tied to solar projects

The Cheshire Board of Education unanimously approved an amendment to its five-year capital plan that adds $1,425,000 to year 1 to account for gross project costs for a turf field and track replacement, and it voted to approve educational specifications for roof-replacement projects at Doolittle Elementary, Highland Elementary and Cheshire High School that are tied to a planned districtwide solar program.

Board member Mister Aki moved the capital-plan amendment and the motion passed without dissent. Emily Taylor summarized the change as an adjustment to the year‑one capital total to reflect gross costs (the district expects a high reimbursement rate on some projects). Board member Mister White asked whether bond counsel had confirmed whether the project would require a referendum and urged the board to plan public outreach; staff said bond counsel typically issues that guidance after plan approval and that the town manager had sought expedited review on the track and field project.

Vin (district facilities staff) and others described the roofing work as part of an energy‑performance contract that paves the way for solar installations. The board approved three separate motions — one per school — to authorize the educational specifications needed for school construction grant applications. Vin gave high‑level figures in the presentation: the Doolittle replacement covers roughly 74,000 square feet (a full rip‑off and replacement), Highland about 62,000 square feet, and Cheshire High School about 18,200 square feet. Estimated project cost figures were presented by staff for planning purposes; the board’s votes authorized the specifications rather than final construction contracts.

Board members asked about construction timing, and Vin said most work would take place next summer with any after‑hours work where possible; staff emphasized coordination to ensure the new roofs will have a 20‑year warranty prior to installing solar arrays. Board members also discussed financing the broader energy‑performance contract and the district’s plan to finance roughly $21 million of work already closed in that contract, with a potential full scope around $55 million with grants and additional phases.

The motions to approve educational specifications for Doolittle, Highland and Cheshire High School each passed unanimously. The board did not take final construction votes at this meeting; the approvals allow staff to proceed with grant applications and next steps in design and procurement.