Cobleskill- Richmondville schools seek voter approval on $12.5M capital project

COBLESKILL, N.Y. (NEWS10)-- Cobleskill-Richmondville voters will soon decide the fate of a $12.5 million capital project. The vote will take place on Dec. 11 from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.

According to the school district, the upgrades and repairs will strengthen the school's facilities and support both safe and secure learning environments. Previous renovations and improvements happened in 2022, but budget constraints limited the work done.

In 2022, the improvements included a roof replacement at Radez and Ryder Elementaries and Golding Middle School, security upgrades at all schools, a new greenhouse and fire alarm system at the high school and significant heating and cooling upgrades at Ryder Elementary and Golding Middle Schools.

According to the district, approval for this project will not increase the property tax levy. The work will be eligible for state aid and will be offset by the retirement of debt from earlier C-R projects.

Capital Project Repairs:

Ryder Elementary School

• Add new playground equipment and replace fencing for Kindergarten playground
• Remove chimney near connection between Ryder and Golding
• Replace the roof section and repair an exterior wall at Ryder/Golding connection

Radez Elementary School

• Replace rooftop air handlers for better cooling and ventilation
• Renovate nurse’s office and former main office suite
• Update PE office and storage space
• Add new playground equipment
• Upgrade gym stage systems (curtain, rigging, lighting, audio)
• Replace underground fuel oil tank

Golding Middle School

• Reconstruct exterior stairs and ramps
• Repair facade, masonry and windows
• Reconstruct sidewalks

C-R High School

• Replace exterior door sets and windows at entry points
• Reconstruct sidewalks
• Improve HVAC system with new cooling tower and chiller
• Replace fire pump
• Repair failing brick façade near specific entries
• Install eight electric bus charging stations to satisfy NYS mandate

If approved the project will begin in 2026. Voters can place their ballots in person at the C-R High School Hall of Flags on Dec. 11, or by absentee ballot, which can be requested by contacting the district office at (518) 234-4032.