Schalmont is excited to announce that we plan to move forward with our next Capital Project, one that meets the needs of our growing district and makes long-term investments in our school campuses.
On June 22, the Board of Education unanimously agreed for Schalmont to take the next steps towards a Capital Project that would expand Jefferson Elementary, replace the Bus Repair Garage, and make improvements across the district.
Superintendent Dr. Thomas Reardon explained that Schalmont’s enrollment, unlike many districts, has steadily grown over the past five years. In response, Schalmont has added classroom sections at Jefferson to keep class sizes lower. But Jefferson is running out of space.
The Capital Project would add a dozen grade-level classrooms at Jefferson to provide seven sections of each grade and the return of 5th grade to Jefferson. An additional music room, a second gym, and expanding the lunch room into the play area would also be planned.
With 5th grade back in an elementary setting – hopefully starting with the 2030-31 school year – the move would also free up instructional space in Schalmont Middle School that will be needed as Jefferson students move up.
Another major component of the Capital Project is replacing the district’s Bus Repair Garage with a new addition next to our Transportation building.
The current Repair Garage prevents our bus lift from rising high enough to properly service our school buses. Schalmont plans to build a new Bus Repair Garage next to Transportation as the cost of new construction is similar to what’s needed to renovate the old garage.
This move also provides our mechanics easier access to buses and vehicles and keeps our Transportation team together. The old garage, located near the campus entrance, would be torn down and removed, greatly improving the look of the school campus.
Other Capital Project upgrades include new district auditorium seating, improved LED lights for Sabre Field, upgrading our tennis courts, repairing and/or replacing school roofs, replacing water and electrical mains, fixing sidewalks, and other improvements across all school buildings.
The estimated cost of the Capital Project would be $54.3 million. If approved, the project would increase taxes for a $300,000 full value home by an average of $86.60 a year in 2029, 2030 and 2031. With Basic STAR savings, the average cost would lower to about $77.94. With Enhanced STAR, the average cost would be approximately $61.05.
Schalmont would receive 68.2% state building aid on most of the project’s cost. Schalmont would also use $7 million from its Capital Reserve Fund, a fund that voters approved in 2024 to fund future projects.
If the Capital Project is approved, construction would begin around January 2028 and finish August 2030. The process is lengthy due to design, State Education Department review, and bidding.
Schalmont plans to have a community vote on the Capital Project on Thursday, October 15. We will share much more information in the months ahead.
If you have any questions, please contact Superintendent Dr. Reardon (treardon@schalmont.net). Thank you.