Liberty Central School District Board of Education on Tuesday, Oct. 10, reviewed an updated  capital project proposal that addresses safety, efficiency and meeting the needs of today’s learners, and is not expected to have any tax impact on district taxpayers.

CSArch, an architecture, engineering and construction management firm, working with the construction management firm Schoolhouse Construction, has been working with the district to recommend upgrades to the district’s aging buildings and systems. The original part of the elementary school is around 100 years old and once housed the entire district population. Two additions were built later. The high school is 60 years old, and the middle school was constructed in the early 1990s.

The following is included in the nearly $42.7 million proposal:

High School Building Improvements (about $14.98 million)

• Exterior stair replacement
• 300 Wing renovations, including additional classroom space and upgrades to the counseling suite
• Cafeteria renovations
• Innovation Lab renovations
• Replace emergency generator
• Hardwired carbon monoxide alarm systems
• HVAC controls upgrades (Pneumatics to Direct Digital Control)

High School: Athletic/Site Improvements (about $6.88 million)

• Resurfacing the running track
• Artificial turf multi-sport playing field (with drainage)
• Slot drains at track perimeter
• Replace the long-jump
• New concrete sidewalk for ADA accessibility
• New bleachers
• New press box
• Audio, lighting and scoreboard improvements
• Field lighting

Middle School (about $3.61 million)

• Interior door replacements (41 doors total)
• HVAC controls upgrades (Pneumatics to Direct Digital Control)
• Site electric upgrades to address water infiltration into building
• Replace 2000A main electrical distribution panel
• Emergency lighting upgrades
• New Emergency Generator
• Hardwired carbon monoxide alarm systems

Elementary School (about $13.93 million)

• Roofing repairs and upgrades
• Hazardous materials abatement (VAT Floor Tile)
• Wood flooring replacement
• Compliant railings at interior bleachers
• Classroom Unit Vent Replacements
• Boiler Conversions (steam to hot water)
• Gymnasium Ventilation System Upgrades
• HVAC Controls Upgrades
• Hardwired Carbon Monoxide Alarm Systems

Central Administrative Offices (about $265,000)

• New Emergency Generator
• Hardwired Carbon Monoxide Alarm Systems

Storage Building (about $3.03 million)

The proposal also includes additional funds for the district-wide maintenance building that voters approved in 2021. Because of supply chain issues that increased costs of materials and increases in labor rates, bids for the building came in significantly higher than anticipated. Costs are not expected to drop and renovations for a new Innovation Lab are contingent on the relocation of Buildings and Grounds into the new storage building. The proposal includes an additional $1.56 million for the construction of the maintenance building, bringing the total to $3.03 million, reflecting the current material and labor market. The original referendum will be rescinded. The district is also exploring options for alternative construction methods to reduce costs while maintaining the same quality and durability of the building.

The presentation to the board can be seen here

The board is expected to vote on a resolution authorizing a public referendum, expected this winter, at an upcoming meeting.

LCSD Superintendent Dr. Patrick Sullivan will present the proposal at the Liberty Town Board meeting at 6 p.m. Monday, Oct. 16, at the town offices at 120 N. Main St.  District officials are planning additional community meetings, tours and more to inform the public about the proposal. The dates will be announced as they are scheduled.

Three Liberty Central School District employees were honored by the Board of Education during the Oct. 10 meeting.

Earning Excellence in Service awards were second grade teacher Solomen Conner, high school social studies teacher Kelly O’Donnell, and maintenance/grounds crew member Jamie Black.

“From the start, Mr. Conner has always been supportive and encouraging, as a mid-hire, this was much appreciated,” his nomination read. “He is a great educator and so positive and patient with his students. They truly lookup to him!

“Kelly is very knowledgeable and helpful when it comes to curriculum, NYS regulations, and changes in NYS standards,” read the nomination for O’Donnell. “Also, she is always willing to share new ideas for teaching students in a way that is engaging and effective. She really can teach an old dog new tricks!”

While showing appreciation for all maintenance and grounds crew members, a nominator highlighted Black for going above and beyond. “I cannot count the amount of times a delivery has arrived that Jamie has NOT helped without asking,” the nomination said. “Every morning he pokes his head into the kitchen to say good morning and to offer up assistance. …. I have come to appreciate his support and friendly personality.”

Each month, staff members nominate others they believe are going above and beyond, be it a single act of excellence or kindness or a continuous work ethic.

We congratulate these employees on their awards.