The East Greenbush Central School District Board of Education has approved the addition of a full sanitary sewer line replacement at Red Mill Elementary School to Phase 2 of the “Building a Brighter Future” Capital Project. This critical work, approved at the board’s public meeting on Wednesday evening, ensures the long-term safety and functionality of the building following a series of serious plumbing failures.
Failing Sewer Line Impacting School Operations
Red Mill experienced several plumbing backups beginning on October 3, 2025, followed by additional failures on October 16 and October 20. These incidents resulted in sewage discharging into lower-level classrooms, ultimately forcing an early building closure. Additionally, certain classes have been moved to different spaces due to cleaning and sanitizing affected rooms.
The failures were attributed to the advanced deterioration of the original cast-iron piping, including significant wall loss, scaling, and the collapse of pipe sections within the sanitary system.
Current Monitoring and Immediate Repairs
The Facilities Department has worked diligently to stabilize the system and prevent future disruptions to school operations.
- Successfully completed a series of temporary repairs to the most impacted plumbing sections beneath Red Mill.
- Invested in specialized camera equipment to conduct regular monitoring of the pipes and lines, allowing us to identify potential issues quickly.
- Working with a local plumbing company to regularly clean out the plumbing lines at Red Mill to prevent future backups.
Long-Term Solution Needed
District administrators, along with our architect LaBella Associates and construction manager Turner Construction, have had detailed discussions regarding the long-term solution at Red Mill. Based on the condition of the infrastructure and recurring nature of the problems, their reports indicate that we must replace all of the Red Mill plumbing as part of a larger, permanent project.
The recommended scope of work includes:
- Removal of existing original cast-iron piping and components.
- Installation of new, upsized PVC sanitary mains (from 6” to 8”) to meet current performance standards.
- Replacement of branch connections serving lower-level classrooms and restrooms.
- Extension of the new piping to the first exterior sewer manhole.
- Testing of all new piping and restoration of disturbed finishes.
Cost
The plumbing project will be funded out of the capital project. According to LaBella Associates and Turner Construction, the project meets the criteria for being included in the current capital project.
- Project Scope – it is related, integral and necessary to the items described in the original voter approved project
- Project Viability – must not impair the district’s ability to complete the originally contemplated work
- Funding Availability – sufficient unencumbered contingency or funds must be available
- SEQRA Compliance – the work must have been included and considered within the original SEQRA review process
Timeline
Because the school’s sewer line is failing, the work must be done as soon as possible. The design plans have already been submitted to, and approved by, the New York State Education Department.
- December 3, 2025 – Resolution Approved by Board of Education
- December 18, 2025 – Deadline for Phase 2 Construction Bids
- January 14, 2026 – Approval of Phase 2 Construction Bids
- February 2026 – Anticipated Construction Begins
- April/May 2026 – Work Completed
“The District realizes the importance of the completion of this work,” said Superintendent of Schools Dr. Kurtis Kotes. “We are grateful to our partners at LaBella Associates and Turner Construction for helping to expedite a plan to finish these repairs quickly while being most responsible with taxpayer dollars. We remain steadfast in always working towards an optimal learning environment for our students and our staff.”
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