C-A schools seek voter approval on $20.9M capital project

COXSACKIE, N.Y. (NEWS10)-- A $20.9 million capital improvement project for the Coxsackie-Athens Central School District will be decided by district voters on December 10. The project is designed to improve classrooms and infrastructure at all district campuses.

On Oct. 23, the district's board of education approved a proposition to present the project to voters. In December 2023, voters rejected a $29.4 million improvement proposal.

"This project is a significant investment in creating inspiring learning environments and innovative spaces designed to empower our students," Superintendent of Schools Randy Squier stated.

The referendum is an almost $9 million scaled back version of last year's proposal. In the new proposal, the district removed a fitness center, a wellness suite and field improvements.

The new proposal’s estimated tax impact will be 28 cents per $1,000 of assessed value, a decrease from the 86 cents per $1,000 of assessed value cost of the December 2023 proposal, according to the district.

"With this project, we are continuing to transform our learning spaces into dynamic environments that inspire all our learners to achieve their extraordinary success," Squier continued.

The proposed renovations include:

• Updating finishes, cabinets, lighting, flooring, electric and furniture in elementary classrooms for enhanced collaboration and learning activities
• Upgrading both kitchen spaces at Coxsackie Elementary and Edward J. Arthur Elementary with modern equipment to improve meal service
• Revitalizing the high school’s 1970s-era science classrooms with new cabinets, electric, furniture, and modernized features to support today’s science curriculum
• Reconstruction of the west side middle school parking lot and access drive
• Replacement of domestic water piping across district buildings
• Replacement of portions of the middle school roof
• Construction of public restrooms at the 5-bay garage area
• Pavement, sidewalk, and playground improvements
• Improvements to the existing natural grass playfields by improving drainage and fencing for safety.

The district is also working on an Energy Performance Contract (EPC), to provide air conditioning to the middle and high school classrooms. According to the district, they also plan to utilize NYSERDA grant funding to extend air conditioning into classrooms in both elementary schools. If the grants do not materialize, the district then plans to redirect funds from field improvements to cover the cost of air conditioning. 

Information sessions will be held on Nov. 25 at 6 p.m. at the Edward J Arthur Elementary School and at 7 p.m. at the Coxsackie-Athens High School. A full list of renovations and improvements can be found on the school district's website.