Board accepts up to $30 million lease for energy upgrades

What happened

On August 25, 2026 the board accepted a financing proposal from Webster Public Finance for the district's energy performance contract with Johnson Controls, for a lease-purchase of no more than $30,010,943. The work includes LED lighting, boilers, roofs and solar panels, including solar canopies in the high school parking lot.

Why it matters to families

The district says energy savings pay for the project instead of a tax increase, but the lease is a long-term payment. Work is already under way and touches many schools.

The evidence

The August 25 minutes record the resolution: three proposals were received, Webster Public Finance was chosen on the municipal advisor's advice, and the lease amount cannot exceed $30,010,943. The agenda for October 27, 2025 lists the environmental review for the energy upgrades (lighting, solar, heating controls, weatherization and roofs). In the August 25 recording the superintendent described solar panels and steel delivered to the high school.

The source