State OKs MCS Building Project - Fate of the Maze Craze Still Undecided

MIDDLEBURGH - The New York State Education Department approved the upcoming Middleburgh Central School building project on January 6.

MCS Superintendent Mark Place told school board members at their January 14 meeting that the district has received its building permits and officials are now working with district architects and construction managers to finalize bid packets for release later this month.

The timeline for the project "is aggressive," Mr. Place said. He anticipants the district awarding contracts in March.

The project includes extensive work on both schools as well as the construction of a new playground at the elementary school.

The fate of the current playground at the elementary school, the Maze Craze, which was built by the community in 1989, still has not been decided, Mr. Place said.

"We will wait until the new playground is open before making any big decisions about the future of the Maze Craze," Mr. Place said Wednesday.

The $8.1 million project was approved by voters last year. The project includes improvements at the high school, elementary school, bus garage, and a new playground at the elementary school.

The plans were submitted to the NY State Education Department in September.

Once approved, construction is planned for May through October 2026.

The new playground is to be build behind the elementary school on the former Little League fields.

The project will utilize state aid and $2 million from the district's Capital Reserve Fund to pay for over a dozen facilities repairs and improvements. There is no additional tax impact.

Repairs and enhancements included in the capital project are focused on resolving current facility repair needs, preparing our infrastructure for future needs, improving safety for students and staff, and supporting community services in the buildings.

Repairs will include:

Junior-Senior High School

The Junior-Senior High School will undergo critical facility upgrades to preserve its historic integrity while improving safety, efficiency and accessibility. The main entry columns will receive structural repairs to ensure their longevity. The replacement of stage and attic windows with energy-efficient models will reduce energy costs. In the auditorium, updated lighting would modernize the space for both school and community events, while the restoration of a missing balcony seating section would expand access. 

The building’s main roof will have gutter repairs to address drainage issues and deterioration of the Yankee gutter system. Additionally, an out-of-service bathroom in the cafeteria will be replaced with ADA-compliant facilities.

Elementary School

Renovations at the elementary school will focus on safety and accessibility. The gymnasium’s outdated bleachers, which have been unusable for years, will be replaced with a modern set featuring side rails and other enhancements.

Additionally, space will be expanded at the school-based health center. The new design will include the required wet and dry areas to ensure a safe environment. Bassett Healthcare services support student learning and participation in athletics with free well-care and some dental services.

A new playground at the school is also planned. The Maze Craze, built by volunteers in 1989, is a cherished part of Middleburgh history. Over 35 years later, modern safety requirements, including wheelchair accessibility, require the district to consider the diverse needs of students in different ways. The district will gather community input and construct a new playground on the former Little League field— that would meet current codes and create joyful, barrier-free experiences for every child.

An online petition continues to attract signers to save the Maze Craze playground at the elementary school. District officials are planning to commemorate, and then "decommission" the wooden playground in about two years, but signers of the petition are asking the district to save the playground.

As of Wednesday, 653 people signed the petition titled "Save the Maze Craze Playground-Middleburgh, NY."

The petition reads, "The Maze Craze playground has been a vital part of the Middleburgh, NY community for years. This charming playground is not just a playground; it’s a place where children laugh, friendships are formed, and everlasting memories are created. Tearing down this playground would mean losing a piece of our community’s heart and a place our children have come to cherish."

Bus Garage Repairs

To ensure the bus garage remains safe and efficient, several upgrades are proposed. Two bus lifts, which have already exceeded their life expectancy, will be replaced. A floor sealer would be applied to preserve the integrity of the floor. Additional drainage would be installed to prevent water intrusion, helping to protect both the structure and surrounding grounds. Conduit will be installed under the parking lot to prepare for state-mandated electric vehicle charging.