Delaware Academy Capital Project Passed

DELHI - The Delaware Academy Central School District proposed capital project which includes athletic field improvements will move forward. The public voted on Apr. 4 with 479 in favor and 229 against.

Superintendent Kelly Zimmerman said, "We are grateful to our community for their continued support of our schools, students, and families. The success of this project vote will incorporate the generous donation of a new multipurpose field from the Clark Family. We live in a truly amazing community."

The project was voted down by the public in 2023 due to concerns regarding plans for an artificial turf field. The project was proposed once again after the district board accepted a donation from Clark Companies for labor and materials associated with installation, maintenance, and end-of-life recycling of synthetic turf on the Dave Kelly Field. The contribution was contingent on the approval of a capital project which includes the resurfacing of the track which is located on the perimeter of the Dave Kelly Field. Clark Companies will also take on the project of resurfacing the track. The district expects the donation to save roughly $21,500 annually.

The donation was accepted with President Tammy Neumann, and board members Seth Haight, Lauren Raba, Kimberly Shephard, and Ro Avila in favor and board members Sean Leddy and Lucy Kelly against. 

The Dave Kelly field was installed by Clark Companies roughly 25 years ago.

The project also includes installation of LED lighting on the Dave Kelly Field and development of a dual-purpose softball/soccer natural grass field including dugouts and a backstop.

According to district officials, a survey of Delaware Academy students showed overwhelming support for the project.

The overall project cost is roughly $3.1 million with 73% being funded through New York State Building Aid and the rest via reserve funds. District officials say the project will have no additional tax impact.

More information on the project can be found on the district website at delhischools.org and by clicking capital project planning in the top menu.