The Jamesville-DeWitt Central School District Board of Education approved the 2024 capital project resolution during its regular meeting on Monday, Oct. 28. A public presentation on the $34.5 million project with no tax impact is planned for Monday, Dec. 9. The public referendum vote will take place Tuesday, Dec. 17.
The district partnered with Ashley-McGraw Architects to identify needs across all school buildings and grounds. If approved by voters, the capital project will:
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- Enhance safety and security.
- Elevate athletic and physical education spaces.
- Meet elementary and UPK playground guidelines.
- Improve aging non-instructional areas.
- Alleviate parking and exterior circulation issues.
- Replace or update facility HVAC, plumbing, electrical, and infrastructure for accessibility, health, and security.
The 2024 capital project would be financed through a combination of retiring debt along with funds set aside in a capital reserve ($1 million). The district would receive building aid from New York state (76.3% of project expenditures). Building aid is received over a 15-year period, in line with debt payments.
“We have a responsibility to make fiscally-responsible decisions with our taxpayers in mind, but also our students and staff,” said Superintendent Peter Smith. “This proposal has the potential to improve safety, enrich the student experience, and ensure our buildings are equipped to continue to serve our school community for years to come.”
In addition to classroom instruction, Jamesville-DeWitt students also learn in gymnasiums, playgrounds, and on playing fields. The project includes the addition of a new Varsity baseball complex at Lyndon Field. The work would include new bleachers, dugouts, backstop, an asphalt walking path, natural grass outfield, artificial turf infield and new perimeter fencing.
“This could make a big difference for our student-athletes and community. We’ve already seen how beneficial a state-of-the-art facility like this can be with our softball team. It takes time, but we’re excited to continue efforts to evaluate and improve our facilities,” said Smith. “One thing we’re going to be mindful of is parking space and scheduling. We could potentially consider adding more spaces in the future if needed.”
Leading up to the Dec. 17 vote, you can follow updates by visiting the district’s capital project webpage. If you have any questions or concerns about the project, please contact Superintendent Peter Smith, psmith@jd.cnyric.org.
You can view a complete list of the proposed project scope for each building below:
J-D High School
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- Renovate main entry, secure vestibule
- Relocate Varsity baseball field to Lyndon Field area
- New bleachers, dugouts, backstop, asphalt walking path, natural grass outfield, artificial turf infield, new perimeter fencing.
- Teacher parking lot, mill and replaced
- Resurface and repair fence at tennis courts
- Upgrade stadium lighting to LED
- Repair various exterior concrete stairs
- Renovate main entry bathrooms
- Renovate upper gym and locker rooms
- Renovate kitchen and update cafeteria corridor and flanking spaces
- Auditorium bathroom updates
HVAC/Plumbing
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- Replace atmospheric water heaters
- Replace gas lines in chemistry rooms
- Select Rooftop Units and Air Handling Units
- Replace steam boilers
- Final conversion of steam to hot water
Electrical
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- Add fiber cable to Lyndon Field concession stand, press box, and bus storage.
J-D Middle School
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- Renovate pool locker room
Jamesville Elementary School
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- New UPK playground equipment
- Update main corridor
- Update faculty bathrooms
- Renovation of baseball field
- Repair flagpole memorial
- Exterior facade repairs
- Replace atmospheric water heaters
- Replace Unit Ventilators in 1961 addition
- Replace Air Handling Unit at 1953 building
- Conversion of steam to hot water
Moses DeWitt Elementary
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- New UPK playground equipment
- Replace pavement in parent drop-off area
- Resurface tennis courts and add pickleball
- Service area sidewalk and pavement repairs
- Update bathroom from 1930s
- Exterior facade repairs
- Replace gym Air Handling Unit
- Replace office ductless splits
- Kitchen ventilation upgrades
Tecumseh Elementary
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- New UPK playground equipment
- Parking, bus loop, and parent drop-off reconfiguration, mill and replacement
- Upgrade parking lot lighting
- Improved drainage around tennis courts
- Update faculty bathroom
- Replace cafeteria Air Handling Unit
- Replace admin RTU
Bus Garage
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- Partial roof replacement
- Replace bus lift
- Structural repairs