Schalmont would like to update our community about a Capital Project the district is considering that would help us address our growing enrollment and invest in improvements across the district.

On June 8, the Board of Education reviewed a preliminary Capital Project proposal that would expand Jefferson Elementary, replace the Bus Repair Garage, install new seating in the auditorium, provide better lighting at Sabre Field, and invest in roofs and other school building improvements.

Superintendent Dr. Thomas Reardon explained that Schalmont, unlike many area districts, has seen a steady growth in enrollment over the past five years. In response, Schalmont has added classroom sections at Jefferson to keep class sizes lower but the school is now running out of instructional spaces.

One of the main features of the proposed Capital Project would be to add classrooms and other improvements at Jefferson. The project would allow 5th grade to return to Jefferson, keeping that grade in an elementary setting and freeing up instructional space at the Middle School, which will be needed as well as our growing Jefferson population moves up.

The Capital Project also would replace the Bus Repair Garage, currently located near the Middle & High School campus entrance. A new garage would be built next to our Transportation Department and the current garage would be torn down and removed, greatly improving our campus entrance.

Other proposed improvements include 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. Taxes for a $300,000 full value home – before STAR savings – would increase by an average of $84 a year for the first three years, if approved. 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.

While the Board reviewed the proposal Monday night, the Board has not yet made a formal decision to move forward with the project. We wanted to share some details with families to ensure our community is aware of what is being considered.

The Board will review more details at its June 22 meeting and we will continue to share more information with our community. If the district moves forward with the project, a community vote would likely take place in October.

If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to Superintendent Dr. Reardon (treadon@schalmont.net.) Thank you.