Board approves lease‑to‑purchase of 1080 Catalan Street for district operations facility

The Schenectady Board of Education voted on Oct. 8 to approve a lease‑to‑purchase agreement giving the district near‑term use of a 44,000‑square‑foot building at 1080 Catalan Street to serve as a central operations and maintenance (O&M) facility.

CFO Terry told the board the property was reviewed by district architects and engineers and that the building recently received a new roof valued at about $250,000. The district negotiated a near‑term lease option so it can move O&M materials, vehicles and equipment out of school buildings before a larger capital project begins at Mount Pleasant; the owner will vacate some tenants by Jan. 1, allowing expanded access.

The stated purchase price is $850,000. CFO Terry said the district would fund the long‑term purchase through standard financing options or by applying current‑year savings; he estimated $850,000 would be roughly 0.3% of the district’s current budget. In the interim the lease cost is about $10,000 per month; the amount was included in the 2025‑26 general fund budget and would be paid from that fund until voters consider a purchase proposition in May.

Board members asked about fit‑out costs and ongoing operational needs. Terry said minimal renovations would be required to use the building for O&M work, that the site already has Wi‑Fi, and that the district would set up organizational plans for storage and equipment maintenance. He said moving trucks, plows and other heavy equipment into an indoor facility would improve equipment life and free space inside schools.

A motion to approve the lease and purchase agreement was made and seconded during the meeting; the chair called the vote and the motion carried. The purchase remains contingent on voter approval of a purchase proposition scheduled for the May ballot.