Dear Pearl River School District Community,

At its regular March 24 meeting, the Pearl River School District Board of Education approved a $61.4 million 2026 Capital Improvements Bond proposal to present to voters on May 19. This important initiative is designed to fund comprehensive renovations to essential infrastructure across all district school buildings. 

This action represents an important step forward in addressing the evolving needs of our aging school facilities and ensuring that all K-12 students continue to learn in environments that support safety, well-being and overall success. 

The proposed project scope encompasses critical needs identified in the District’s recent New York State Education Department (NYSED) Building Conditions Survey, as well as key priorities voiced by families, staff and students through our Capital Project Community Survey last fall. Together, these insights have charted the course for a thoughtful, forward-looking plan to address both immediate needs and long-term sustainability. 

This proposal focuses on three key areas:

District-wide School Renovations

• New heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems, including upgrades to:

  • All elementary school multipurpose spaces

  • Pearl River Middle School cafeteria and gymnasium

  • Pearl River High School auditorium and gymnasium

• Boiler replacement at each school

• New ceilings and LED lighting in selected areas of each school

• Roof removal and replacement at each school

District-wide Safety and Security Upgrades (All Schools)

• Lockdown system integration and installation of notification strobes

• Exterior access control enhancements

• Interior door replacements and hardware upgrades

• Fire alarm system upgrades and expansion of coverage

Improvements to Support Student Wellness and Programming

• Playground resurfacing and equipment upgrades to the Blauvelt Road playground at Evans Park Elementary School and rear playgrounds at Lincoln Avenue Elementary School and Franklin Avenue Elementary School

• Renovation of PRMS library media center, computer room and technology classroom; sink, faucet and casework replacement in science classrooms; athletic field drainage improvements and new irrigation system

• Renovation of PRHS locker and team rooms; gym floors, bleachers, basketball goals and divider walls; turfing of and drainage upgrades to softball, baseball and practice fields; and addition of visitor bleachers on multipurpose field

We encourage all residents to learn more about the 2026 Capital Improvements Bond Proposal by visiting www.pearlriver.org/capitalproject2026 or by emailing capitalproject@pearlriver.org with any questions. 

The Bond and Budget Vote and School Board Election will be held on Tuesday, May 19, 2026, 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. Detailed information regarding the proposed budget and Board of Education election will be mailed to residents in early May and can also be found on our website (www.pearlriver.org).

 
Your participation in this process plays a vital role in building a stronger foundation for the future of our schools and our community. 

Sincerely,

Marco F. Pochintesta, Ed.D.

Superintendent of Schools