Summer 2023 Update on Construction Project
We are about five weeks into our $2.3M capital project. Our prime contractors are working hard to ensure that all of the work required to open our facilities is completed on time.
At the Elementary Schools, the renovation of six classrooms is on its way to completion, with all demolition, framing, and drywall work completed, along with Asbestos abatement. There is a slight delay in the upgrade of the Univents (HVAC systems) with a 14-16 week lead time on their arrival. The district is coordinating their replacements during the school year.
The upgrade to electric service has been completed by Central Hudson, which supplies the main power supply for the Middle School and High School campuses. The water line repairs to the Middle School, which will update the code-required backflow preventer is scheduled to be installed next week. The biggest change on campus is the demolition of the trailer along the high school athletic field. Electrical to the field lights and press box are back online after the demolition.
Stay tuned for more updates on the new air handler at the high school Aquatics Center and dugouts at Pieter B. Coeymans.
August 15, 2022
Voter-Approved Construction Project for 2022-23
The 2022-2023 School Year Budget was approved by our community this past May. Part of the budget vote included a referendum to address some of the items from the District's most recent building condition survey and also address some modernization and usability for our students and community. The proposed project will cost approximately $2,323,000 and is estimated to be completed by the fall of 2023.
The architect hired for this project is finalizing the general plans for this small capital improvement project. These plans will be sent for approval to the State Education Department (SED). Whenever a school district plans to make campus and grounds improvements that go beyond general maintenance, SED Facilities Planning must approve the plans for the project prior to soliciting bids from contractors.
Upon SED approval, the District will be able to move forward with bidding on the projects listed below*. Once bids are received, the Administration and Board of Education will be able to prioritize and finalize the projects based on the bids. Upon the Board of Education's approval of the bids, materials can be ordered and work scheduled. Construction is set to begin in the late spring of 2023. As a recap, this small construction project will include:
Installation of a code-required backflow preventer at the main water line to the middle school*;
Upgrading of the electrical service by replacing the high-voltage yard and main underground power supply on the MS/HS campus (pending input from Central Hudson)*;
Demolishing the old high school concession stand and updating and repairing the press box upper level*;
Installation of an enclosure for electrical panels for the high school athletic field lights*;
Installation of dugouts and outfield fencing at the varsity baseball field at Pieter B. Coeymans Elementary School*;
Sitework to improve drainage at Pieter B. Coeymans Elementary*;
Installation of a new air handler at the high school Aquatics Center*;
Renovations of six classrooms in each elementary school, including asbestos abatement, new storage, new flooring, and HVAC upgrades*;
Removal of a section of vinyl asbestos floor tile in the high school west wing corridor*.
Additional Construction and Maintenance for 2022-23
The District is also working on making improvements to our buildings and infrastructure beyond the scope of the referendum. This additional work will be done over the next 18 months with no impact on our taxpayers by utilizing existing funds from grants, donations from the community or PTA/PTO Organizations, and Community Host Benefit Agreements. This plan includes:
Updating and/or expanding playgrounds at both elementary schools;
Improving or creating nature spaces/trails and gardens at both elementary schools;
Repaving and/or roadway repairs on all campuses;
Installing dugouts on our varsity softball field on the high school campus;
Replacing the pool filter at the high school Aquatics Center;
Replacing the basketball hoops in the middle school Gym;
Improved signage on all campuses.
The components of these projects are in various stages of development. Planning for some of the projects is still happening, while work has or will begin shortly for others. Please note that with supply and labor constraints, all of this information is subject to change.
Playgrounds:
AWB Playground: The paved recess and emergency evacuation area will be repaved as a component of updates to the AWB playground and we anticipate this being complete during the fall of 2022. Updated playground equipment is being researched and is expected to be installed in the spring of 2023.
PBC Playground: The drainage needs to be addressed prior to any major construction to the playground at PBC. The drainage is scheduled to be addressed during the small capital improvement project scheduled to begin in spring 2023.
Nature Trails: The expansion of the nature trails at AWB and PBC will be funded by local and community donations and grants. The District is still in the process of finalizing plans.
Roadway Repairs: Any roadways on our campuses that are serviceable have been or will be, patched, seal coated, and restriped. Any major repairs that need to be addressed will be included in the plan for the potential upcoming larger capital improvement project.
Softball Field Dugouts: The District is awaiting confirmation from the State Education Department to see if a permit is required for this installation. Once confirmed, we anticipate the installation will take place during the 2022-23 school year or the summer of 2023.
Pool Filter: The replacement pool filter has been ordered, and upon receiving it, the installation will begin. In the meantime, the area is being prepared to facilitate a smooth installation. At this time, we anticipate the replacement will take place in either September or October.
MS Basketball Hoop Replacement: This will happen with district funds and is set to start in December 2022.
Additional/Replacing Signage: During the 2019-20 school year, the District conducted a way-finding study to determine where we need additional and new signage on our campuses. COVID stalled the completion of this project, which we will be restarting during the 2022-23 school year. We will be starting by installing new parking lot signage, stop signs, and ADA parking signs this fall. From there, we will move on to planning for additional signage.
We are incredibly excited about these improvements and changes coming to RCS – check back for more updates!