The new public address system includes digital clocks/speakers in classrooms.

Construction related to East Greenbush Central School District’s Capital Project that was approved by district voters in 2017 has begun this summer. The project is split into three phases and includes replacement of aging systems, safety and health improvements and updates to technology and instructional classroom space.

Asbestos abatement at Bell Top Elementary School.

The plans for Phase 1 were approved by the NYS Education Department in November of 2018. That work includes safety upgrades in all schools, including replacements of the public address system; security card access controls; security systems and surveillance cameras; fire, smoke and carbon monoxide alarm systems; and new Cisco phone systems.

Phase 1 began at Columbia High School, Citizen Genet Elementary School and Howard L. Goff Middle School once the school year ended. The remaining schools (Bell Top, DPS, Green Meadow and Red Mill) will require asbestos abatement before any work can begin in those buildings. The asbestos abatement should be completed by the beginning of August. As soon as abatement is completed at each of these buildings, the safety upgrades can begin.

Phase 1 is expected to be completed by the start of school in September, with the exception of the new fire, smoke and carbon monoxide alarm system installations. That work could stretch into December.

The construction plans for Phases 2 and 3 have not yet been approved by the NYS Education Department. As a result, district officials expect Phase 2 to start at the beginning of Summer 2020 and Phase 3 to start Summer 2021.

New surveillance cameras are being installed inside and outside the schools.

“Safety is a top priority of our Board of Education,” said Superintendent Jeff Simons. “I am very pleased that the first phase of this project will enhance our security technology, communication systems and fire and smoke detection systems in all schools.”

Phase 1 – Summer 2019
All Schools

• Upgrades to public address system (includes new head end units in all schools and new digital clocks/speakers in all schools except Columbia)
• New security card access controls
• New security systems and surveillance cameras
• Replacement of fire, smoke and carbon monoxide alarms
• New Cisco phone systems

Phase 2 – Summer 2020
Goff, Green Meadow, Red Mill, Transportation Center, Grounds Building

• Replacement of all potable water lines, which includes new bathrooms and fixtures
• Relocation of several bathrooms at Goff 
• Paving of certain sections of the parking lots at each school
• Replacement of chiller at Goff Middle School
• Replacement of rooftop heat and air conditioning units at Goff, Green Meadow and Red Mill
• Roof replacements on certain sections of all buildings
• Replacement of domestic hot water heating systems at all schools
• Sand, stripe and refinish gym floors at Green Meadow and Red Mill
• Replace certain exterior doors at all buildings
• Upgrade certain classroom layouts and classroom technology

Phase 3 – Summer 2021
Columbia, Bell Top, DPS, Genet

• Replacement of all potable water lines, which includes new bathrooms and fixtures
• Relocation of bathrooms at Genet
• Paving of certain sections of the parking lots at each school
• Rebuild chillers at Columbia
• Replacement of certain rooftop heat and air conditioning units at all buildings
• Roof replacements on certain sections of all buildings
• Replacement of domestic hot water heating systems at Columbia and Genet
• Sand, stripe and refinish gym floors at Bell Top, DPS and Genet
• Replace certain exterior doors at all buildings
• Upgrade certain classroom layouts and classroom technology
• Replace windows at Genet and DPS
• Turf replacement at Columbia