The South Colonie Board of Education voted to approve the scope of work for the proposed Next Generation Colonie Capital Project during the Tuesday, Aug. 30 meeting.
The proposed $112.5 million Next Generation project, if approved by voters, would impact every South Colonie facility. The goal—to address aging infrastructure across the district, improve instructional spaces, and provide essential safety upgrades.
“We want our students and staff to have pride when they walk into our facilities,” said Superintendent of Schools Dr. David Perry. “We have a history of asking our community for small capital expenditures and as a result our facilities are in need of significant upgrades.”
Perry went on to add “The most effective way for us to maintain our facilities and provide the best academic programs and overall student experience is through a well-planned capital and construction schedule to stay ahead of deterioration and maintain facilities to keep costs affordable for our tax payers.”
In addition to the $112.5 proposal, South Colonie residents will also be asked to consider a second proposition for the district to receive an additional 10% building aid on an energy performance contract (EPC) to improve energy efficiencies throughout all South Colonie buildings. The cost of this $7.5 million EPC is offset in energy saving costs and would have no additional tax impact to residents.
An EPC is an agreement that allows school districts to take budgeted utility and operational costs and re-allocate them into energy saving capital improvements without the need for increased taxes.
“We are able to move forward with an EPC project without voter approval but if we bring it to vote and it is approved—the district would receive an additional 10% in building aid,” said Perry.
If approved by voters, the project is expected to reduce the district’s greenhouse gases and energy consumption to the equivalent of powering 172 homes. Other highlights of the contract include approximately $360K in annual energy savings, internal and external LED technology lighting fixtures and upgrades, updated temperature and ventilation control systems, weatherization, air sealing and insulation districtwide, and a new boiler heating system for the district office.
“The time is now for us to plan to make these improvements. We need our facilities to match the academic standards and educational experience that we desire for the Next Generation of Colonie,” Perry added.
Proposed project highlights are outlined below. To learn more about the Next Generation Capital Project Referendum residents are invited to attend the public hearing on Monday, Oct. 3 at 7 p.m. at Saddlewood Elementary or virtually on the district’s Youtube Channel and/or visit the Next Generation page here: https://www.southcolonieschools.org/next-generation-colonie/.
Colonie Central High School
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- Auditorium renovations – Front of house improvements
- Library Media Center renovations – ARPA federal funds
- Classroom renovations (290’s, 110’s, 220’s)
- Locker room renovations
- Restroom renovations
- Upgraded fitness center
- Replace fire alarm system with combined FA/PA
Lisha Kill Middle School
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- Site roadway enhancements – Drop off lane and front sidewalk reconstruction
- Resurface outdoor play courts and provide new backboards
- Auditorium renovation
- Locker room and team room enhancements
- New exterior walls/facade on the original portion of the building
- Upgraded nurses’ office suite and restrooms near the auditorium
- Restroom renovations
- Classroom renovations
- Internal cosmetic changes (upgrades to the wood paneling)
- Replace fire alarm system with combined FA/PA
Sand Creek Middle School
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- Auditorium renovation
- Classroom renovations
- Locker rooms and adjacent bathrooms enhancements
- Fitness center enhancements
- Music area enhancements
- Restroom renovations
- Updated nurses’ office suite
- Replace fire alarm system with combined FA/PA
Athletics
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- Synthetic turf multi-use athletic field (Ambrosio stadium field) Field Complex with concession upgrades and bathroom facilities
- High school fitness center upgrades
- New Team Rooms
- Refinish MUG Gymnasium Wood Floor
Transportation, Buildings & Grounds, District
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- Transportation, O&M facility to support a fleet of 75 buses and 150 employees
- Enhancements and expansion to South Colonie District Offices to meet current needs
Elementary Schools
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- Playground improvements at all elementary schools
- NEW Library Media Center at Veeder Elementary
- Classroom renovations
- Nurses office remodels
- Restroom renovations/upgrades
- New bus loop at Shaker Road
- Window and HVAC upgrades as needed
Technology
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- Additional security cameras districtwide
- Secure card access entry points at all buildings
- Technology infrastructure upgrades
Other
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- Roofing Replacements at CCHS, Roessleville, Shaker Road, Sand Creek, Veeder, Forest Park and Saddlewood
- HVAC improvements at CCHS, Shaker Road, Sand Creek, Veeder, Lisha Kill, Forest Park, Saddlewood and Roessleville