Fulton City School District details multi‑phase capital project; final phase expected in 2026

Board members heard a multi‑phase update on the Fulton City School District’s ongoing capital projects, including work already under way in school gyms, scheduled bathroom renovations, athletic‑field drainage, and security and HVAC upgrades across several buildings.

“My name is Matthew Herbert. I’m the project manager for Chase, and [I’m] overseeing the various phases of this capital project,” said Matthew Herbert, who summarized work across four phases. “Work has already started. You know, we’re starting to work through painting and, prepping for everything else. So far, everything’s going well.”

The district described four phases. Phase 1 included replacement of gym equipment and bleachers and surface work in the high school gym; contractors named for that work and the remaining gym scope included PAC, Rambo Electric, and Western New York Floors. Phase 2 — described by presenters as a two‑summer project — will include extensive site work and bathroom renovations at the high school and Fairgrave; contractors named were GC Pack (general contractor), Patricia Electrical (electrical), CNS Companies (mechanical), J and A Mechanical (plumbing), and JMR Excavating (site work).

Phase 3 work will touch athletic facilities and the junior high and includes drainage improvements at softball and baseball fields, renovation and expansion of athletic complex restrooms, elevator upgrades at the junior high, HVAC work and a more secure main‑entry vestibule. Presenters said the junior high entry modification will “add a secure window within your existing vestibule” to improve security. The district also reported playground replacement, cafeteria floor replacement and other site and HVAC work at several elementary buildings described as Volney/Lanigan and other baseboard schools.

When asked about timing, project staff said phase 4 is expected to be completed in 2026. “Phase 4 would be expected to be completed in 2026,” a presenter stated. Board members and staff discussed a hoped‑for expanded project if the district’s debt limit increases in future years; presenters said any larger follow‑on project would depend on future debt capacity and other approvals.

Board members noted construction activity already visible at the junior high and high school and asked staff to minimize school‑day disruption during work. Presenters described coordination between district operations staff and contractors to limit interference with students and school schedules.

The presentation did not include a board vote on new contracts during the meeting; presenters said bidding and approvals for several contractors had occurred and that work for the upcoming summers is scheduled to begin as described. The board did not take a separate capital‑project action during the portion of the meeting covered in the presentation.