Cobleskill-Richmondville brought its proposed $14.1 million building project to the public over the past seven days.
C-R held virtual town hall meetings––still available on the district website––Thursday and Tuesday, is mailing a newsletter to all registered voters and is reaching out on social media, all in preparation for the February 3 public vote.
In the planning stages for five years, the project includes improvements, renovations and repairs to all four C-R schools.
The work will protect the investment in the public’s buildings, Superintendent Carl Mummenthey said at Thursday’s town hall meeting.
“The people own these buildings,” he said. “We are their stewards.”
Work at Ryder, Radez, Golding and the high school includes:
•Heating, cooling and ventilation.
•Electrical and lighting; detectors, alarms and sensors.
•Roof and skylight replacements.
•Handicapped-accessibility compliance, including doors and wheelchair lifts.
•Entrance security.
•Work on bus loops, parking, sidewalks, curbing, paving and playgrounds.
•Classroom renovations.
Main offices will be renovated or relocated at Ryder and Radez.
Ryder, Radez and Golding will receive kitchen and cafeteria renovations and improvements.
There will be asbestos and lead removal at Radez and Golding.
Although much of the work consists of necessary upgrades, Mr. Mummenthey was animated about the classroom improvements.
Ryder and Radez, the two elementary schools, will get ‘makespaces’ classrooms that will “give students hands-on experiences in math, science and technology,” Mr. Mummenthey said.
Golding Middle School will receive upgrades in its technical wing, particularly in small engine repair and robotics, Mr. Mummenthey said.
The ag wing, including the greenhouse, will be renovated, he added.
“The work is very evenly distributed over our four campuses,” Mr. Mummenthey said.
The project cost is not anticipated to affect the tax rate, school board President Bruce Tryon stressed at Thursday’s meeting.
“It is not expected to raise the tax levy,” Mr. Tryon said, repeating the sentence for emphasis.
Business Manager Tracy Fraleigh explained why, outlining the finances.
State aid will pay 82.5 percent of the cost, or $11.5 million, she said.
Although Albany often adjusts regular aid to schools, the state commits to building aid once voters approve a project, Ms. Fraleigh said.
The local share is $2.5 million. C-R will have paid off one debt by the time this project’s debt comes due, so it won’t raise taxes, she said.
“This is an opportune time for improvements without putting a burden on our taxpayers,” Mr. Mummenthey said.
If voters approve, work would start in the summer of 2022 and finish a year later.
C-R originally planned a larger project of $32.7 million but divided it into three phases instead. This project is the first phase.
The second phase, $13.2 million, is planned to go to a public vote in the spring of 2022, and the third, $5.4 million, would go to voters in the spring of 2024.
Voting on February 3 will be at the high school, 9am to 9pm. Safety protocols will be in effect.
Residents can also vote by absentee ballots and can request one by calling District Clerk Ruth Van Deusen at 518-234-4032.
The virtual town halls can be viewed by going to C-R’s website and hitting the February 3 Referendum button.
Mr. Tryon said Thursday’s town hall had about 45 viewers.