Facilities Committee

Next meeting: Feb. 27, 2025 – 5:30 p.m. at MVC

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