MCS Capital Project May be Split in Two - New Playground, Windows, Bleachers, Work on Columns Planned

MIDDLEBURGH - Middleburgh Central School's proposed building project may be split in two phases. If approved, the first phase would be in 2026 with the second in 2031, or later.

In December  Superintendent Mark Place told school board members that with $2 million in the district's Capital Reserve, MCS can complete approximately $7 million in work ($8.1 million with contingency) without additional impact to the tax levy. At their January 8 meeting, he told board members that to align with financial constraints, officials have divided the project scope into two phases based on the estimates the district has received. The capital project in 2026 would focus on urgent, high-impact areas and a future capital project, in 2031 or later, would address deferred needs as additional reserves are built.

School board members are expected to vote on the proposal in April. The public would vote at the same time at the budget vote in May.

The 2026 work may include:

Junior-Senior High School

* Gym columns. Mr. Place said 20 expansion joints have to be replaced in the gym. The old ones have resulted in cracks in the wall. One has been replaced after a brick fell down.

* Main entry.

* Upgrades for windows replaced in 2001.

* Column repair in front of the school. The wooden columns have deteriorated, Mr. Place said.

* Stage windows.

* Attic windows.

* Auditorium lighting. Mr. Place said the district would like to upgrade lighting for productions. The lights have not been looked at for a long time.

* Bathrooms in the cafeteria. The bathrooms have to be ADA accessible. The current staff bathroom may be used for an additional ADA bathroom.

Elementary school

* Expanding the current school-based health center.

* Replacing the bleachers in the gym, which are in a state of disrepair and not being used this year.

* Adding an ADA-accessible sidewalk, along with lights and cameras for a new playground behind the elementary school or perhaps where the former Little League field was located. 

"Our plan is to engage the school community with the design of the new playground, and keep both open until we have conversations with stakeholders. So, no plans have been made to take the Maze Craze down," Mr. Place said. The Maze was constructed by the community in October 1989.

Bus Garage

* Parking.

* Storm drainage.

* Seal the floor.

* Replace a new lift and add one to take the weight of the heavier electric buses.

* Upgrade the electrical system and conduits.

In the 2031 (or later) phase, work could include:

* The elementary and high school roofs.

* The high school cupola, the work on the cupola has been delayed until the rest of the roof work is done, Mr. Place said.

* High school drains and gutters. This also could be done as a separate project.

* The two quoins on the front facade of the high school.

Given the significant cost estimates, roof and quoin repairs will be deferred to a future phase, Mr. Place told  board members.

This strategic approach allows for: continued reserve growth to exceed $2 million, ensuring no additional tax levy impact and clear communication to the public about the scope and necessity of these repairs.

"We believe this phased approach balances fiscal responsibility with addressing critical infrastructure needs," he added.

If approved, the work would begin in the summer of 2026, Mr. Place said. Bids were sent out in February-March of that year with work to begin that summer.