Facilities Committee

Next meeting: The committee’s current charge is concluded. The committee’s recommendations will be reviewed by members of the Board of Education at their April 10 meeting. 

The new Facilities Committee was formed in 2024 after citizens of the school district voted down a proposal to build a new school building in Lewis. The committee will make recommendations to the Board of Education about the district’s long-term facility needs, long-term capital improvement planning, and other long-term facilities-related matters.

The committee is working with Capital Region BOCES Facilitator Joe Dragone, who is acting as a neutral voice to guide conversations. Dragone has more than 20 years of experience in school facility projects and project management.

Key Info

This has been a multi-year process.

A Building Condition Survey was done this fall to fully evaluate the needs of both campuses.

A 10-year window for state aid began when the district merged in 2019-2020.

Aid for renovation vs. new construction:

• Renovations receive a lower aid rate versus new construction.
• Bonds for renovations usually receive a 20-year repayment term; new construction usually receives a 30-year repayment term.

Options that have been discussed and considered:

1. A new PK-12 school, athletics and transportation site.
2. Renovations and new construction at either existing facilities.
3. Extensive renovations at both sites to keep both sites open.
4. Limited health/safety renovations at Mountain View and Lake View sites to keep both operating.

Committee members

• Bill Benoit
• Tom Bisselle
• Sheera Broderick
• Tom Broderick, Board of Education representative
• Kathryn Cramer
• Darlene Hooper, Board of Education representative
• Steve Hudson
• Jim Jackson