by Rachel Hunter
The Village of Gouverneur Board of Trustees and the Town of Gouverneur Council have officially declared their support for the Gouverneur Central School District’s proposed $57.38 million capital improvement project.
Gouverneur Central School District Superintendent of Schools Jackie Kelly made the presentation with the backing of the Gouverneur Central School District Board of Education at the regular meeting of the Village of Gouverneur Board of Trustees on Tuesday, November 21 and at a special meeting of the Town of Gouverneur Council on Wednesday, November 29. Following these presentations the Gouverneur municipal boards unanimously approved motions in support of the proposed $57.38 million capital improvement project. The Town of Fowler Council also indicated its full support.
The Gouverneur Central School District also held its second and final public forum on the proposed capital project on Monday, December 4. Supt. Kelly has given presentations on the proposed capital improvement to the following: Gouverneur Chamber of Commerce (Nov. 6), GCS District Shared Decision Making Committee (Nov. 8), Gouverneur Lions Club (Nov. 8), Faculty and Staff at GCSD (Nov. 9), Town of Fowler (Nov. 9), Gouverneur Elks Lodge No. 2035 (Nov. 14), SLC Chamber of Commerce Business 2 Business Networking Event in Gouverneur (Nov. 15), Gouverneur and St. Lawrence County Fair Board (Nov. 15), Gouverneur Kiwanis Club (Nov. 16), First Public Forum at GCSD (Nov. 20), Village of Gouverneur (Nov. 21), Town of Gouverneur (Nov. 29), and Second Public Forum at GCSD (Dec. 4). All those present at the meetings had the opportunity to ask questions about proposed capital project.
“Gouverneur is a great community, with supportive families and community members. I have witnessed that support firsthand while visiting different organizations and municipalities to discuss the proposed capital project,” Supt. Kelly said. “At these presentations, there were many great questions asked and a lot of positive feedback shared. This community cares about our students and that has been evident to me throughout this process. This capital project is a once in a lifetime opportunity for Gouverneur. The District's high state aid ratio coupled with the savings in our capital reserve fund will allow this $57.38 million project to be completed with no additional tax increase to the community. Our vision is to deliver the promise of a brighter future for our students and community. Our students, and the community, deserve to have facilities that are equivalent to those of their peers in neighboring districts. Please vote yes for the capital project on Tuesday, December 12th at the Gouverneur High School auditorium between the hours of 12:00 and 8:00 p.m.”
Gouverneur Central School District Board of Education President David Fenlong told the municipal boards that Board of Education feels good about going forward with the vote on December 12. “I think it is about time that we gave something back to the kids.” Board President Fenlong said.
The Gouverneur Central School District will open the doors to the Gouverneur High School Auditorium on Tuesday, December 12, noon to 8 p.m., for the vote on the proposed capital project. The public is reminded that to be eligible to vote, residents must live in the school district for at least 30 days prior to the December 12 vote, be at least 18 years of age, and be a citizen of the United States. Voter registration is not needed. Over 4,000 copies of the capital project newsletter, produced in cooperation with the Capital Region BOCES Communication Service, have been mailed out to current residents in the Gouverneur Central School District. The capital project newsletter is also available online at gcsk12.org.
Faithful readers of the Gouverneur Tribune Press will recall that the Gouverneur Central School District is required under the New York State Education Law to have a building condition survey completed every five years. In 2022, the Gouverneur Central School District had a building conditions survey conducted by Bernier, Carr and Associates. “They did a very thorough investigation of our buildings and facilities,” Supt. Kelly said. “The average age of school buildings across the state is about 75 years. The average life expectancy of school buildings is 65-75 years old. The useful life of mechanical, plumbing, and electrical systems is 24-45 years. At the Gouverneur Central School District, portions of the high school are now 86 years old. The remaining facilities within the District are 68 years old. You can see if the life expectancy is 75 years and we have portions that are 86 years old, it makes sense that they are in need of some work. While the District has had a positive impact on extending the life expectancy of many systems and components through maintenance and ongoing building projects, there will continue to be challenges ahead.”
As a result of the Building Condition Survey, Bernier, Carr and Associates generated and provided a list of concerns and/or deficiencies that should be addressed in the years to come. The items of concern were reviewed by District staff and Bernier, Carr and Associates. After the thorough review of current conditions and multiple walk-throughs, the list was pared down to prioritize the needs for the High School, Middle School, Elementary School and Bus Garage. A summary of needs at the Gouverneur High School include parking lot improvements, swimming pool upgrades, exterior wall repairs, multiple room upgrades (music, home and careers, nurse suite and administration wing, auxiliary gymnasium), secured main entrance, infrastructure improvements (emergency generator) and mechanical, electrical and plumbing upgrades.
Supt. Kelly then answered the question in everyone’s minds: “Why now?” Interior building infrastructure work is necessary to protect our facilities and our investment in them. There is a need to improve efficiencies with updated technology for heating and cooling systems. High school upgrades will be the focus of this Capital Project. The site work across the district is necessary due to wear and tear (age) and safety concerns. There will be new full-scale generators for the high school, middle school and elementary school to ensure stability in the event of power outages. “The time is right,” Supt. Kelly said. “There will be debt coming off from 2015 project allows new work to be done with no anticipated tax increase to the community.”
Supt. Kelly then provided details on the construction plans for the high school include the following:
Building Envelope ($2,320,000): Structural floors at the pool are in need of repair. Exterior walls at the 1936 and 1986 wings are in need of repointing at the brick exterior and control joints need to be replaced. Existing roof over Music, auxiliary gym, main gym, and media center is beyond the warranty.
Building Interiors ($2,240,000): Existing exterior doors, steps, stairs, ramps will be upgraded to address outdated, damaged, and corroded materials as well as safety concerns. Existing interior doors, flooring, walls will be upgraded to address outdated, damaged and corroded materials and safety concerns. Existing restrooms will be upgraded to replace outdated, damaged materials and fixtures as well as safety concerns.
Band and Choral Upgrades ($1,500,000): Existing band and choral spaces will be renovated to provide updated teaching areas with new technology and better acoustics for learning.
Home and Career Upgrades ($1,225,000): Existing home and careers, and life skills classrooms will receive complete upgrades to accommodate today’s learning needs. All spaces will be ADA accessible.
Administrative & Nurse Suite Upgrades ($1,300,000): Existing School administration and Nurses’ suites will be completely renovated. The spaces will be reconfigured to provide a secured vestibule entrance. There will be updates to the district office and main office. The nurses’ area will be ADA accessible with a full toilet room and exam room.
Auxiliary Gym Upgrades ($1,575,000): Auxiliary Gymnasium will see a complete renovation of the space. The existing balcony and corresponding storage and restrooms will be removed. The space will receive new ADA accessible toilet rooms, storage area, and bleacher system. Upgrades will include new finishes, lighting and HVAC systems.
Existing Pool Locker Room Upgrades ($885,000): Existing pool area will also see major changes. The locker rooms will be reconfigured and updated to provide an updated space for swimming events.
Ceiling Upgrades ($930,000): Existing ceilings throughout the 1936, 1960 and 1985 wings are old and in need of replacing. Upgrades will include new ceiling systems throughout the wings. The kitchen ceiling will also be replaced with a cleaner vinyl covered ceiling system for ease of cleaning.
Natatorium Upgrades ($1,825,000): The mezzanine will be updated to provide a viewing area for swimming meets. The pool area will receive a full upgrade to the finishes on the deck and walls. The ceiling area will also see new finishes. Lighting, HVAC and electrical upgrades are also part of the renovation. There will be a new filtration system to keep the pool in line with DOH standards. There will be a new dehumidification system.
Building-Wide HVAC Upgrades ($16,600,000): The entire heating system at high school will be converted away from steam heat and to a more efficient hot water based system. This would include a geothermal system. The system will be easily maintained and provide heating and cooling for the entire school. “There are three main benefits to installing a geothermal heating system into our high school,” Supt. Kelly said. “These include cost, adaptability, and the environment. While the initial cost of installing a geothermal heating system is substantial, $16.6 million, the payback period is relatively brief and the economic benefits will continue for the life of the system. A combination of NYS aid, grants and decreases in utility costs will allows us to break even in only 5-10 years and recognize an approximately $20,000 annual decrease in utility costs each year. Beyond the cost savings, the system provides the added benefit of allowing for more consistent and year-round control of classroom temperatures.”
Plumbing System Upgrades ($380,000): Existing cast iron piping is corroded and failing. Existing plumbing fixtures have tested high in lead content and pose a safety hazard to occupants. Existing plumbing fixtures and related piping in the pool locker rooms are at the end of their useful life. Replace all cast iron piping with PVC, and fixtures that test high in lead content (including sinks). It was noted that lead levels reduced from 15 ppb to 5 ppb by Gov. Hochul in December 2021.
Electrical Power Upgrade ($675,000): There is a need to replace many of the electrical panels due to the age of the components, increase the number of receptacles in the classrooms, provide new cord reel drops with the shop areas to remove the need for extension cords on the floor.
Emergency Generator ($995,000): Provide an automatic standby emergency generator which will be able to run the entire school in case of power outage.
Fluorescent Lighting Replacement ($985,000): Replace all light fixtures throughout the facility to a more efficient LED lighting system. This will reduce the electrical costs due to the newer technology.
Auditorium House and Theatrical Lighting ($965,000): The existing theatrical lighting system is using old technology which is not efficient and provides little versatility for lighting. The new system will be LED lighting which will be more efficient and would provide lots of versatility for theatrical programs.
Communication System Upgrades ($1,110,000): Existing public safety address and clock system is past its useful life and needs to be upgraded. The new system will be a combination IP sound/clock system which will have better technology for school alerts.
Sound System Upgrades ($245,000): Existing sound system within the main gymnasium is antiquated and in need of modern upgrades. There is no existing permanent sound system at the swimming pool. Upgrades will provide for new gym sound system and permanent pool sound system including speakers, amplification, DSP and wireless capabilities.
Scoreboard Upgrade In Gym ($120,000): The existing gym scoreboard is antiquated and lacks the efficiency of newer LED technology, thereby requiring more frequent maintenance. Replace existing scoreboard and shot clocks with two new LED multi-sport scoreboards with new shot clocks.
Accessibility Upgrades ($925,000): Reconstruct multi-user restrooms that serve the 1960 wing and auditorium. Provide wheelchair lift for access to stage. Existing restrooms within the 1960 and 1965 wings are antiquated and without wheelchair access as only ambulatory accessible compartments are provided.
Site Work ($1,680,000): Repave parking lots and replace sidewalks. The current ones are deteriorated and unsafe. Upgrade tennis court, which currently in need of crack repairs, new acrylic finish, and new posts and netting.
The Gouverneur CSD also reported that the Building Condition Survey indicated the following summary of needs at the Gouverneur Middle School, including: new athletic stadium (including concessions, team rooms, restroom facilities), building upgrades, parking lot improvements, emergency generator, and playground.
“The last capital project, a $31.4 million project approved by voters in 2014, focused mainly on the reconstruction of the Gouverneur Middle and Elementary schools,” Supt. Kelly said. “Therefore, this project is projecting for minimal work at the Gouverneur Middle School.”
Construction plans include the following:
Building Envelope ($95,000): Repoint mortar joints, replace damaged brick, caulk open joints, and seal all wall openings that are currently susceptible to stormwater infiltration. Rebuild and/or reconstruct brick chimney with new concrete cap. The envelope is failing and portions of brick now lay on the roof below. Provide new crawl space doors with drainable gutter and operable hardware from the interior to address building security and susceptibility to stormwater infiltration. Replace vertical mullions at 21 entrances with aluminum units and stabilizer brackets. Replace the courtyard stair in its entirety that are susceptible to corrosion from winter salts. Courtyard door mullions are now corroding.
Building Interiors ($120,000): Provide sound deafening board between music room and fabric covered paneling within the practice rooms. Provide vestibule to trap sound transfer from secondary egress door to gymnasium. Existing music rooms consist of single concrete block walls separating themselves from adjacent gymnasium. There are currently no acoustical treatments to control sound between spaces or within practice areas. Also replace damaged floor tile and remediate substrate (underlying area) with epoxy injection.
Emergency generator ($750,000): The middle school will receive a standby emergency generator which will run the entire school in the event of a power failure. The unit will be connected to a fuel source for uninterrupted service.
Playground ($650,000): There will be a new playground created with the opportunity for expansion in the future. There is currently no playground at the middle school that houses students who range in age from 9-12 years.
Site Work ($7,205,000): Create a multi-use stadium to house sporting events. The complex will include additional parking, press box, team rooms, concession area, and restroom facilities. The field will have a new synthetic turf with multi-sport striping. There will be a complete lighting system for night games. “The District does not own the property that we currently play football on,” Supt. Kelly said. “We lease this property from the Gouverneur and St. Lawrence County Fair Board. The New York State’s Department of Education has repeatedly communicated to us that they will not provide funding for the building or repairs of facilities on property that the district does not own.” Other site work upgrades include site lighting improvement, parking lot repavement, sidewalk replacement. It will also include the opportunity to build a new playground with opportunity for expansion in the future.
The Gouverneur CSD also reported that the Building Condition Survey indicated the following summary of needs at the Gouverneur Elementary School: infrastructure improvements, parking lot improvements, and emergency generator. Construction plans include the following:
Building Envelope ($110,000): Repoint mortar joints, replace damaged brick, caulk open joints, and seal all wall openings that are susceptible to stormwater infiltration. Replace steel mullions with aluminum mullion and stabilizer brackets at 11 openings that are susceptible to corrosion from winter salts. Provide Bilco LU-2 safety post roof ladder, extend plumbing vents to 18 inches, and provide linear metal ceilings at entrance canopies. Provide building access from intermediate playground area.
Building Interiors ($50,000): Restore damaged masonry and drywall, and add wall panels to music room. Repair masonry step cracks and vertical stress cracks present within the gym and adjacent room 18. Retro-fit five percent of all lockers and cubbies with proper shelf heights and ADA locks for handicapped accessibility.
Emergency Generator ($825,000): The elementary school will receive a standby emergency generator which will run the entire school in the event of a power failure. The unit will be connected to a fuel source for uninterrupted service.
Site Work ($2,370,000): Repave parking lots and replace sidewalks. The current conditions are deteriorated and unsafe.
The Gouverneur CSD also reported that the Building Condition Survey indicated the following summary of needs at the Bus Garage: fuel dispensing system, bus wash bay, sidewalk upgrades, parking lot improvements, new pole barn, interior infrastructure improvements, ventilation upgrades. Construction plans include the following:
Building Envelope ($600,000): Replace overhead doors along the service bays with insulated sectional doors and steel man doors with fiberglass reinforced polymer. This will provide a tighter fit which will reduce weather infiltration during winter months. Bus storage bays will receive a new finish on the underside of the roof structure. This will eliminate the issue with peeling paint within this area. Existing bus storage bays consist of deteriorated, peeling lead-based paint on the roof deck/structure.
Building Interiors ($470,000): Multiple renovations are anticipated within the bus garage, including reconstruction of the office, carpeting upgrades, ceiling upgrades and door replacement. This will provide for a better, more efficiency space for staff to work in. Part of the renovations will include a new ventilation system for the office suite.
HVAC Upgrades ($350,000): Add rooftop system for office area with air conditioning and replace power roof exhaust fans. Existing office suite is interior to the building and many areas lack ventilation. Offices contain window box air conditioners that exhaust into the adjacent storage room. The storage and service bays lack adequate exhaust and roof exhaust fans are beyond their useful life.
Fuel Dispensing System ($650,000): The existing fuel dispensing system is past its useful life and is in need of replacement. The new dispensing system will be built under a covered canopy. There will be a 10,000-gallon gasoline tank. The entire system will include new dispensers and fuel management system. The canopy will have a fire suppression system.
Bus Wash Bay ($500,000): One of the bus storage bays will be converted to a bus wash bay. This will allow buses to be cleaned during the winter months when the weather does not allow for exterior washing practices.
Site Work ($1,125,000): Replace sidewalks and a new storage building.
The Gouverneur Central School District is currently in the pre-referendum phase. Public meetings will be held on November 20 and December 4 at 5 p.m. at the GHS auditorium. The public referendum vote is December 12. If approved, the design phase will commence in January 2024 and is anticipated to close out with SED approval in November 2024. The project will go out to bid in January-February 2025, bids will be awarded in March 2025 and construction will start in late spring. Construction is anticipated to start in summer or fall of 2025 and continue through the year’s end in 2026. The estimated cost of the project is $57,380,000 for all the site work and work done at the District’s three school buildings and the bus garage.
“How can a projected $57,380,000 project not lead to an increase in our local school taxes?” Supt. Kelly answered, “The district has a very high New York State Building aid rate and has saved $9,600,000 in a Capital Reserve to allocate towards this project. Therefore, there will be no additional tax impact.”
In addition to the Proposition No. 1 (Capital Project), the District is also looking for voters to approve the purchase of three diesel buses. “We typically take advantage of our 97 percent transportation aid ratio and purchase four buses a year to maintain the integrity of our fleet,” Supt. Kelly said. “This year, we purchased one and placed more funds in a transportation reserve. Since adopting the budget for vote in March, a bus accident and an aging fleet has put our ability to meet all routes in jeopardy should a couple more unfortunate incidents take place. The increased flexibility of a larger diesel powered fleet will also allow us more leeway as we approach the 2027 Electric bus mandate.”
“Why vote for this?” Supt. Kelly answered. “This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for our District. We have one of the highest state aid reimbursement rates in New York and we have been fiscally responsible by saving money to help offset the costs. Although the $57,380,000 cost of the project will be high, it will allow us to upgrade our buildings, grounds, and athletic facilities with no additional tax impact. The buses will be funded 100 percent with the Transportation Reserve Fund. Help us deliver the promise of a brighter future for our students and community. Our kids deserve this.”
All eligible voters are encouraged to vote on the Gouverneur Central School District’s proposed $57.38 million capital improvement project and bus purchase on Tuesday, December 12, noon to 8 p.m., in the GHS auditorium. Results of the vote will be published in an upcoming edition of the Gouverneur Tribune Press.