The majority of the projects would take place in the original 1957 wing of Schalmont High School. While other areas of the school saw renovations over the years, this wing remains much the same as it did when the school first opened more than 50 years ago.

An exterior project in the amount of $445,000 would address the weathered and stained panels that trim the building (i.e., fascia and soffit reconstruction). Many of the panels are loose, thanks to deteriorating caulk, and/or have holes (picture #1).

A $380,000 roofing reconstruction project in this wing would address frequently occurring leaks that are difficult to locate and repair (picture #2). This area of the roof is one of several that have seen significant weather damage since a 1987 reconstruction project, so the district’s ongoing maintenance goals include plans for future roof renovations.

Both of the projects above would improve the appearance of the school, but their primary purpose is to ensure the health and safety of students and staff and to decrease the wastefulness of excessive repairs and energy loss.

Moving inside, several projects in the 1957 wing would address health, safety, energy and capacity issues. A $467,000 cafeteria reconstruction project would address the energy loss created by original, single-pane windows; replace the original, stained ceiling tiles; and add slightly to the room capacity (picture #3). For $150,000, the nearby 50-year-old restrooms would be brought up to more modern health standards (picture #4). Upstairs, second-floor classrooms not included in recent renovations would be improved with new flooring, ceiling tiles and lighting for $280,000 (picture #5).

The main high school lobby and "old" gym also are original to the 1957 construction. In the lobby, a $60,000 project would address the old, water-damaged ceiling tiles and the dim, inefficient lighting (picture #6). In the gym, a $45,000 project would replace the old, dim lights with brighter, energy-efficient lighting (picture #7).

The three largest projects would help prevent the high cost of dealing with facilities problems as emergency situations and increase energy efficiency and the comfort of students during the school day.

Windows in this 1957 wing – still the original, single-pane windows – would be reconstructed and replaced for $1,480,000 (picture #8). The huge, old steam boilers are beyond their useful life, and have remote receivers and pumps located some distance away. For $1,060,000, they would be replaced with smaller, more efficient hot water boilers, and centralized in a more convenient location (picture #9). Most of the classroom heating and ventilation system also is original and beyond its useful life, so many classrooms rely on opening windows to provide outside air. This air handling system would be reconstructed for $3,136,000.

The proposed projects at Schalmont Middle School include exterior structures and interior areas not addressed in Bond 2000 renovations.

A $387,000 gym floor reconstruction project would increase the safety and comfort of students. The current wooden floor collects moisture, which has resulted in cracks, buckling and unpleasant odors (picture #10). A ventilation system was set up to help tackle the odor and moisture problem, but it is insufficient and not as energy efficient as the proposed replacement.

Two large projects would deal with issues on the grounds of the high/middle school complex: 1) reconstruction of the bus loop area, and 2) improvements to the parking lot and road near the high school football field.

A $778,000 reconstruction project would deal with the safety risks presented by the current high/middle school bus loop area. This original 1957 feature is a patchwork of frequent road and sidewalk repairs; damaged curbs; and poor drainage around the creek beneath the high school (picture #12). The aesthetic appeal of the existing green space in the center of the loop would not be lost, but the overall safety and usefulness of the entire area would be increased. Students and visitors alike, whether walking, driving or riding a bus, would benefit from improvements to this primary public access point.

Schonowe School has not been used by Schalmont as an elementary school since 1980, but various programs and organizations have leased the facility over the years.

Schalmont earns rental income from those organizations, and the building currently houses Capital Region BOCES classes and the Schalmont-Mohonasen Community Transition Program. That rental income has been used to maintain the school, but it currently faces problems caused by worn-out steam pipes, the lack of a back-up boiler and an energy-inefficient heating system.