Capital Project

East Greenbush Central School District voters approved a $116 million capital project during the Budget Vote and Board Election on May 21, 2024 that will improve facilities and grounds at all seven schools. The project includes items such as replacement of HVAC systems for improved indoor air quality and adding air conditioning throughout all five elementary schools, classroom additions at elementary schools to accommodate pre-k and increasing enrollment, library renovations in all schools, new playgrounds, athletic field improvements, upgrades to sidewalks and parking lots, and infrastructure improvements at all schools.

The estimated cost for the proposed project is $116 million, but due to state building aid and expiring debt, there would be no additional impact to local taxpayers. It is estimated that the state will reimburse the district approximately 72% of eligible costs for this project ensuring no additional tax burden for district residents.

Commencement of the project is estimated to begin in 2025 and would include multiple phases.

Scope of the Capital Project

  • HVAC/Air Conditioning in Elementary Schools
  • Athletic Fields/Courts
    • Goff Middle School
      • New Multipurpose Turf Field and 6-Lane Track
      • New Elevated Grass Practice Fields with Drainage
      • New Tennis/Pickleball/Basketball Court
      • New Access Road with Parking Lot
      • Renovations to Locker Rooms
      • New Digital Sign
    • Columbia High School
      • Improvements to Baseball Field, Softball Field and Grass Fields
      • Replacement of Tennis Courts
      • Reconstructed Basketball Courts
      • Install New Fiber Runs from School to Turf Field
      • Replacement of PA System
      • New Bleachers on Visitor Side of Turf Field
      • New Digital Sign
  • Elementary Playgrounds
  • Library Renovations in All Schools
  • Classroom Additions
  • New Lighting/Sound System in Columbia Auditorium
  • Redesigned Four-Lane Entrance to Columbia with Pedestrian Walkway
  • New Roof at Columbia High School
  • New and Reconstructed Sidewalks
  • New and Reconstructed Parking Lots
  • Safety/Security
  • New Water Fountains with Bottle Fillers
  • Electrical
  • Removal of Hazardous Materials
  • Plumbing
  • Exterior Doors/Weather Protection
  • General Site Improvements
  • Buildings and Grounds Improvements

Timeline

The Capital Project, which was approved by voters on May 21, 2024, is anticipated to be completed in six different phases over the next five years due to the scope of the project, working around the school schedule, NYSED timelines, and maximizing state building aid reimbursement to defray the overall cost for local taxpayers.

Design plans for Phase 1A of the Capital Project were submitted to the New York State Education Department for approval on July 29, 2024. They were approved by NYSED in November 2024. Phase 1A includes replacement of Columbia High School’s roof, exterior basketball courts and tennis courts. After NYSED approval, the bid process will commence. Construction of Phase 1A is tentatively scheduled to begin in May 2025 and conclude in October 2026.

Design plans for Phase 1B were submitted to NYSED in November 2024. Phase 1B includes Goff athletic fields behind the school, a new access road (with parking) connecting Goff to Hays Road, and replacement of the Goff elevator.

Tentative/Proposed Capital Project Schedule (last updated June 26, 2024)

Cost

The estimated cost for the proposed project is $116 million, but due to state building aid and expiring debt, there would be no additional impact to local taxpayers.

  • State Aid:
    • NYS Building Aid will fund 72% of eligible project costs
    • The district anticipates 84% of project costs will be eligible for building aid
  • Capital Reserve: Voter-approved savings from previous years
    • $2 million currently in a voter-approved capital reserve which will be used to offset project costs, saving local taxpayers money
  • Debt Payoff:
    • District nearing final payoff of debt from prior capital projects
    • Older debt payments will drop off and comparable new debt payments will be added
    • Result: Local taxpayer share is projected to be tax neutral

Resources:

Infographic

Capital Project Infographic

Videos