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Board discusses building condition survey, $12.9M pool repairs and potential facility support for new programs
Summary
Officials reviewed building-condition priorities, noted nearly $12.9 million in pool repair needs across district pools, and discussed using Winchester Academy or the former East Elementary School for a Boys & Girls Club branch. Transportation topics included an interest in electric buses, with cited grant possibilities but notable upfront costs.
District leaders and board members used the July 22 work session to review capital and facilities priorities, discuss possible school space for community programs and touch on transportation planning including electric buses.
Dr. Krueger and staff described outcomes of the district’s recent building condition survey and urged the board to prioritize items for a future capital improvement project. She said many repairs are straightforward (for example, replacing boilers or other mechanical systems) while other decisions require policy discussion, such as how to repurpose locker rooms, libraries and other large building spaces.
On pools, Dr. Krueger told the board the district’s four secondary pools need nearly $12,900,000 in repairs and equipment replacement. She said the board should consider long‑term vision for pool use because current daytime utilization for physical education is limited and community use varies.
Board members also discussed space options for a potential Boys & Girls Club unit. Dr. Krueger identified the former East Elementary School — adjacent to East Middle School — and the first floor of Winchester Academy (pending BOCES relocation) as candidate locations that already include gym space, classrooms and outdoor play areas. She asked the board whether the district would consider providing space on a nominal lease (for example, $1 per year) and whether the district would temporarily absorb utilities, cleaning and snow‑removal costs during a startup period; board members requested detailed cost breakdowns before any commitment.
Transportation and a shift toward electric school buses were raised during conversation. Board members who visited Lakeshore’s transportation operation noted strong operational benefits of electric buses (lower fuel and maintenance costs) but cautioned about high upfront acquisition and facility costs. Dr. Krueger noted that Lakeshore’s deployment had been supported substantially by grants; she recommended the board learn from other districts’ experience and examine state programs (for example, NYSERDA) to assess funding options.
The board requested additional detail: sample MOAs that East Aurora uses when hosting Boys & Girls Club units, Winchester Academy utility/maintenance cost breakdowns and further analysis of timing and financing for potential capital projects. Dr. Krueger said the facilities committee will use the building condition survey to develop a prioritized capital plan that could inform a May voter referendum in a future year.
Ending: Board members asked staff to prepare facility cost estimates, examples of district/club MOAs and further information on electric bus grants and capital timing; no formal facilities vote was taken July 22.
