District’s proposal prioritizes learning spaces, emphasizes health & safety, addresses aging infrastructure
During a meeting on Oct. 14, the Board of Education adopted a resolution for $28.6 million in capital improvements for Watervliet Junior-Senior High School, Watervliet Elementary School and the district’s bus garage.
The resolution will allow the district to bring the proposed capital project to a public vote on Tuesday, December 9. The $28,600,000 proposal supports district priorities by expanding learning spaces, strengthening building safety and security, and replacing or updating aging infrastructure.
Most of the proposed work (64 percent of the project) focuses on learning spaces, including two new prekindergarten classrooms at Watervliet Elementary School and a four-classroom addition and new library at Watervliet Jr.-Sr. High School.
The new prekindergarten space would allow the district to relocate our early prekindergarten program (EPK) for three-year-old learners, which is currently off-site. It would also provide for future expansion of the prekindergarten program. The elementary school’s main lobby adjacent to the 10th Ave. entrance would be renovated and the neighboring office suite would be reconfigured. Currently underutilized space on the second-floor area above the lobby would be transformed into a multi-purpose room with amenities for project-based, hands-on learning for elementary students.
The two-story addition proposed for the southwest corner of the Jr.-Sr. High School would create four classrooms to support increased enrollment and meet the academic demands of evolving graduation requirements. A new school library, relocated to the second floor above the building’s main entrance, would create a more centralized and student-centered hub for learning. Long awaited renovations to the Family and Consumer Sciences (FACS) classroom would replace outdated kitchen equipment to enhance culinary and hospitality instruction. The technology classroom would be equipped with innovative STEAM tools and resources, and sensory room improvements would offer emotional support for students who need help to stay focused and learn effectively. Renovations to the nurse’s office and school-based health center would create a more functional and efficient space to address the wellbeing of students.
The capital project would be financed through a combination of 97.6% state building aid and $1 million from the district’s capital reserve fund — resulting in a tax neutral project with no increase to the local tax levy.
“The proposed capital project represents our commitment to providing a safer, more efficient, and future-ready teaching and learning environment for students and staff,” said Superintendent of Schools Dr. Donald Stevens. “From infrastructure upgrades to modern learning spaces and more secure buildings, this project is an investment in our community’s future that comes without additional cost to city taxpayers, while ensuring our schools are ready to meet the needs of today’s and tomorrow’s learners.”
Other project components
Other components of the proposed project are grouped into the following four categories:
Infrastructure & Sitework
The project would include replacing the roof and window screens in the kindergarten wing (WES); repairing doors and hardware (WJSHS); replacing partitions in bathroom facilities (WJSHS); upgrading mechanical, electrical, and HVAC system (both schools); improving drainage and paving projects (select parking areas at both schools).
PE & Athletics
Refinishing the gym floors in both buildings; improving practice fields, which would include the addition of an adventure obstacle course (WJSHS); and resurfacing the track and tennis courts (WJSHS).
Health & Safety
Installing enhanced security features at the main entrance (WJSHS); and replacing HVAC equipment at the basement level and the domestic hot water equipment that services the locker room (WJSHS).
Replacing the original electrical system, the remaining original water fountains and the remaining HVAC equipment in the old gymnasium at WES; upgrading the fire alarm system in the kindergarten wing.
Project Scope Overview
Watervliet Elementary School
- Build a two-classroom addition (approximately 6,000 square feet) that will provide new learning spaces for prekindergarten and potential expansion of early learning programs
- Replace roof on prekindergarten/kindergarten wing
- Renovate the main lobby to create flexible, smaller learning spaces and more centrally located counseling, social work and administrative offices
- Upgrade library casework, circulation desk and carpeting
- Refinish gym floors
- Replace electrical system that dates back to the building’s origins as an industrial facility, to improve safety, energy efficiency and internet connectivity
- Relocate playground near prekindergarten/kindergarten wing to accommodate building addition
- Replace select parking lots and sidewalks to increase capacity and safety
- Provide durable surface at playground, regrade and improve drainage
- Grading, landscaping, lighting upgrades and drainage
Watervliet Junior-Senior High School
- Two-story building addition (approximately 14,000 square feet) for four new classrooms
- Construct and relocate the school library/media center
- Renovate school health office facilities (school-based health clinic)
- Family and Consumer Sciences (FACS) classroom, technology workshops (STEAM enhancements), and sensory room improvements
- Refinish gymnasium floor and replace perimeter rubber flooring
- Renovate basement level locker rooms and athletic offices
- Upgrade bathroom facilities
- Install enhanced security features to main entrance
- Practice field improvements to include addition of adventure obstacle course
- Resurface track and tennis courts
- Upgrade lighting features
- Improve drainage in parking areas
- Update mechanical, electrical and plumbing systems
- Replace an existing water service line
Watervliet CSD Bus Garage
- Replace existing trench drains
- Renovate existing garage or build new structure
- Provide EV charging to prepare for state mandate that all schools transition fully to electric (zero-emissions) vehicles by 2035
- Create space for mini-bus parking
Financial considerations: No additional tax impact
If approved, the 2025 Capital Project would be tax neutral, meaning it would result in no additional increases for city residents. The district would receive 97.6 percent in building aid from New York State toward the cost of eligible capital project components. The district plans to apply $1 million from the Capital Reserve fund, approved by voters in May 2024, to further offset project costs.
The project is considered tax neutral because debt service repayment for the 2025 proposed project would begin as debt service from prior capital projects rolls off, maintaining fiscal stability with bond payments and state aid reimbursements.
Community meetings present opportunities for Q&A
Families, staff and community members are invited to an informational presentation on Tuesday, Nov. 18 at 6 p.m. to learn more about the project and ask questions. The district will send out a capital project newsletter with more information before the end of November. A public hearing will be held a week prior to the vote on Tuesday, Dec. 2 at 6 p.m.
The 2025 capital project vote will take place Tuesday, Dec. 9 from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. at two polling sites: the Watervliet Elementary School and the Watervliet Elks Club.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Reach out to the superintendent’s office by phone at 518-629-3201, or email Dr. Stevens, with your questions about the proposed 2025 Capital Project. Frequently asked questions may be added to the web page throughout the process.