Catskill proposing $11.4 million capital improvement project

CATSKILL―The Catskill Central School District is proposing an $11,415,000 capital project for improvements to the interior and exterior of the elementary and middle schools.

Voting on the project will take place on Tuesday, October 6 from 1-9 p.m. in the high school gymnasium.

The planned work would be completed at no additional cost to taxpayers, according to the district that is eligible for 69.5 percent State Building Aid for eligible capital expenses and has $3,785,000 in its Capital Reserve Fund that would be applied.

“The proposed project will improve safety, energy efficiency, accessibility, and educational spaces throughout the schools. It will replace aging equipment, upgrade building systems, and create a healthier and more functional learning environment for students and staff,” the district stated.

The identified work follows a building condition survey, required by New York State every five years. The survey identified health and safety concerns, deteriorating tennis courts, and accessibility needs, the district noted.

The proposed project also includes the addition of a STEAM lab at the middle school, a dedicated, hands-on learning space where students explore Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics through interactive projects. The lab was not completed as part of the previous $40.7 million capital project, approved by voters in 2019 and finalized in 2022.

A public presentation on the project is scheduled for Tuesday, September 22 in the middle school auditorium.