District officials at Bethlehem Central schools are preparing to finish project upgrades as part of the 2012-13 bond initiative, now that summer vacation is underway.
In March of 2013, voters approved a $20.2 million facilities proposition, as the district was already a year behind its five-year maintenance plan due to lack of funds and staff cutbacks. Upgrades were suggested to fix the infrastructure of buildings, upgrade water and lighting fixtures, replace aging equipment and upgrade outdated technology systems.
Voters did not approve funding for the installation of a $3.8 million artificial turf athletic field, which included a regulation-size track. However, needed upgrades for drainage, irrigation and safety were included in the final proposal.
“I think one of the biggest things is we wanted to restore faith and confidence in the district’s ability to take on a project of this scope and delivery in fiscally responsible matter,” said Superintendent Tom Douglas. “I think we have been transparent, and haven’t had to cut any of the scope.”
With the majority of the work completed over last summer break, the remainder is expected to be finished by this fall. Douglas said all projects are on time and on budget.
High school
Director of Facilities and Operations Gregg Nolte said most of the building’s roofing work was done last year, but will be finished this year. They have now started abatement of some of the school’s older floor tiles.
The gym floors were done last year, with new bleachers in the “B” gym. Also, the pool had a new window wall system to help with glare and various pool finishes, along with all new domestic water piping through the school.
Nolte said the new camera system was recently installed and will be operation for the start of school. The district will be looking to pass an operational policy with the school board to make sure the cameras are used appropriately. There were about 100 cameras installed inside and outside the high school.
Middle school
All the roofing work had been completed last year, at the Middle School but the majority of the masonry work will be done this summer.
The scaffolding has been up since June, and there will be restrictions on which entrances to use for those entering the building. For now, people are asked to use the entrance behind the auditorium stage. The deteriorating ramp out front is being fixed, as well. There will also be major modifications to the two staircases coming from the basement pit area. It will be enclosed and more manageable for maintenance.
Three sets of bathrooms were renovated through last school year, and are now compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act. A new chlorine storage filter room has been added to the pool area near the right of the building. This summer, the kitchens will also be upgraded.
Cameras have been installed in and outside of the middle school, and will begin being used in the fall.
Elementary schools
Nolte said no work had been needed at Eagle Elementary.
At Elsmere, a lot of abatement work was done last year. About half was done last year, and the two classrooms wings will have the floor tiles removed this year. There will also be new classroom bathrooms. The new playground was installed last year. This year, the kitchen will be renovated.
All abatement work was done last year in Glenmont Elementary. Some roofing work will be finished this summer. Glenmont also had a new playground installed. The building will have a new gym floor this year and various site upgrades.
All abatement work has been completed at Hamagrael Elementary. The building will have a renovated kitchen, and the gym will have a new floor. This school also got a new playground, with miscellaneous site work.
Slingerlands also completed abatement work last year, along with most roofing work. A lot of masonry work will be done this summer, with the remainder of roofing finished afterwards. The gym floor will also be refinished.
The work will limit use of these buildings, and town camps will only be held at Glenmont and Slingerlands.
Athletic fields
Nolte said a lot of field work will be happening over break, but the stadium field is complete. All new lights and irrigation have been installed, and use by teams and the community has already started. The other fields are about 70 percent complete, with the work set to be complete by the start of school.
“For those fields, everything is off limits this summertime,” said Nolte. “We’ve been coordinating quite a bit with athletics to make sure they have a place and temporary sports fields for the beginning of their seasons in mid-August.”
The Board of Education last month also approved the use of sod instead of grass seed for the junior varsity softball field, so the field will be back in use by the spring of 2016.
“The community has been patient, and we are thankful,” said Douglas.”
For the buses, a new dual painting bay was built in order to save money. There has been major paving work near the transportation garage, and the new camera system was installed. The operations and maintenance building had a new roof put on last year, and a new equipment shed was just built.
