At the Oct. 19 board meeting, district officials said a committee agreed the high school needs a bigger cafeteria (now about 238 seats, aiming near 400), about 10 more classrooms, band and orchestra space, and more restrooms.
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How artificial intelligence is changing classrooms and school rules.
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Proposition 2 on the May 2026 ballot asked for up to $35 million. It pays for boiler replacements at four elementary schools, new public address systems, building controls, rooftop heating and air units, and drainage and flood protection at the high school. Voters passed it, 1,844 to 744 (unofficial count). Architects said construction should begin in the second quarter of 2027 and take 12 to 14 months.
Renovations at several schools were late. Asbestos found in old buildings was the main cause. Schools opened September 8 with construction still under way. On October 7, 2026 officials said an elevator will not be done until 2027 and some work moved to next summer. The project team said there is no added cost to the district since contracts are already bought out. The district describes the project as $167.5 million.
At the October 7 meeting two fifth graders, with a petition, and Howe parents asked the board to keep the school's field. Drilling rigs had been on the field, and speakers said the district is studying it for a new building or parking lot.
The district reports a new addition to ABGS Middle School, plus asbestos removal, classroom upgrades, new boilers and electrical, plumbing and heating work in the existing building. In September 2026 crews finished block walls and brickwork on the addition, poured stairs and ramps, and were starting roof framing; roofing starts in October 2026. Other bond projects run at the high school and elementary schools.
On Oct. 5 the board gave preliminary approval to a Capital Improvement Project of up to $31,102,930 and set a Dec. 8, 2026 vote on two linked propositions. Proposition 1 ($23,151,555) adds a gym, cafeteria and auditorium at Clough and tears down the flood-closed former Staley Elementary. Proposition 2 ($7,951,375) replaces the closed RFA Stadium grandstand and only counts if Proposition 1 passes. Bonds of up to $22,091,430 would be issued. The board vote was 6 yes, 1 absent.
After families reported a musty smell, an air quality report dated Sept. 29, 2026 found good air quality and no active mold growth at Lakeshore Road Elementary. Staff found damp leaves blocking a fresh-air intake, removed them and cleaned equipment. The testing company will return to check the fix. The school reopened this fall after two years of renovation.
Five career programs now run in new high school spaces: culinary arts, cosmetology, barbering, medical assistant, and engineering and advanced manufacturing. They are in the regular school day and cost families nothing.
On Sept. 24, 2026, an engineering firm told the board its building condition survey found about $224.8 million of work across district buildings. About $50 million of that overlaps the roughly $100 million capital project voters approved in May. About $6.3 million is work put off from the last project.
The facilities committee reviewed the 2025 building condition survey. The architect said some projects, such as lighting, solar panels and boilers, could be paid for through an energy performance contract if payback is 18 years or less. Rooftops would first need new coating.
Board-approved 2026-27 goals call for moving the May 2024 $178 million bond project from Phase 1 to Phase 2 construction. The district says work at William Street School is underway and expected to be ready next fall.
The district plans a $98.75 million project to fix boilers, electrical systems and roofs, update classrooms and libraries, add air conditioning in gyms and cafeterias, make entrances safer, and build new athletic fields at the high school. About $45.46 million would come from savings and $53.29 million from bonds, with state aid expected to cover about 72.5% of eligible costs. The district says it expects no added local tax impact. Design would run 2027-2028 and construction 2028-2031.
Two re-purposed buildings opened for the 2026-27 school year: the Memorial Sixth Grade Center and the Silas Wood Pre-K Center. The Memorial building was finished mostly by district staff, with courtyards and spaces named for local figures.
The superintendent said phase one of the bond (security vestibules, playgrounds and stronger door hardware) should be mostly done around Oct. 30 to 31, 2026, with some work spilling into November. Phase two, the athletic work (fields, lights, bleachers, restrooms and snack stands), could start around mid-October, still waiting for state education department approval. The district is also seeking community members for a bond oversight committee.
Keane Elementary students are at the Fulton School this year for a 'swing year.' Keane's construction is a two-year job, and the first year makes the building ready for students to come back. Lincoln students are planned to move to Fulton next, so Lincoln can be worked on.
The district opened its new career and technical high school building at the start of this school year. It adds training in HVAC, plumbing, dog grooming and veterinary science.
The district is studying a plan with the Syosset Public Library to turn the empty Woodbury School (built in 1925, vacant since 2007) into a library branch. A study says converting it would cost about $18.5 million; tearing it down and restoring the site would cost about $3.5 million. At the Sept. 29 public session, the district said it could use about $3.5 million of its capital reserve and the library would borrow about $15.6 million.
Builders told the board on September 14, 2026 that the new Innovation Wing at White Plains High School is ahead of schedule and the building is weather-tight. Finishes start soon. Pipe work will close lanes on North Street for several weeks.
The Rochambeau renovation missed its August 28, 2026 contract date. About five classrooms are still under construction, and the gym skylights will not be done until early winter at best.
The Sept. 9 agenda lists moving fund balance money for temporary boiler services at Woodward Parkway. On July 1 the board was asked to award the boiler replacement bid, and a trustee said in April that replacing the boiler was a key focus for winter comfort.
Summer 2026 work finished at Geyser Road Elementary, Lake Avenue Elementary and the high school. At the high school, building of a Learning Staircase and Commons continues all year and the library is temporarily in the Spa Room. On July 23, 2026 the board authorized bidding for the next phases this fall, with work expected to start in June 2027. Legacy 2025 ($142.8 million) is planned through 2033.
On Sep 9, 2026 the board was asked to approve an amended lease for the Syracuse STEAM High School building. Payments total $131,162,156 over 15 years, about $8.74 million each year, starting 2025-26. The county owns the building during the lease.