Cobleskill- Richmondville schools $12.5M capital project receives voter approval

COBLESKILL, N.Y. (NEWS10)-- Cobleskill-Richmondville voters have voted for a $12.5 million improvement project Wednesday night. According to the district, 242 votes were for the project and 63 were against it.

School improvements began in 2022 after an initial capital project was approved. However, budget constraints limited the work done.

The new capital project will make upgrades and repairs to the school's facilities at both elementary schools, the middle school and the high school. Repairs include:

Ryder Elementary School

• Add new playground equipment and replace fencing for Kindergarten playground
• Remove chimney near connection between Ryder and Golding
• Replace the roof section and repair an exterior wall at Ryder/Golding connection

Radez Elementary School

• Replace rooftop air handlers for better cooling and ventilation
• Renovate nurse’s office and former main office suite
• Update PE office and storage space
• Add new playground equipment
• Upgrade gym stage systems (curtain, rigging, lighting, audio)
• Replace underground fuel oil tank

Golding Middle School

• Reconstruct exterior stairs and ramps
• Repair facade, masonry and windows
• Reconstruct sidewalks

C-R High School

• Replace exterior door sets and windows at entry points
• Reconstruct sidewalks
• Improve HVAC system with new cooling tower and chiller
• Replace fire pump
• Repair failing brick façade near specific entries
• Install eight electric bus charging stations to satisfy NYS mandate

According to the district, the project will not increase the property tax levy. The work will be eligible for state aid and will be offset by the retirement of debt from earlier C-R projects.

The district expects the work to begin in 2026. According to the district, as the planning process proceeds, more information on the project will be released.