Board debates epoxy versus polished concrete and timing as facility projects move forward

The Keystone Central School District's facilities committee presented a slate of capital improvement bids and recommendations Thursday, and board members questioned timing, vendor selection and whether the projects had been sufficiently circulated for competitive bids.

Facilities staff recommended epoxy flaked flooring for several gyms and multipurpose areas, and noted the epoxy option was the same system being installed at Woodward Elementary. "From a standpoint of aesthetics ... I like the epoxy look better than the polished concrete," a facilities presenter said. The presenter also said both epoxy and polished concrete would require less maintenance than the existing tiles.

Board member Elizabeth Wade pressed for price comparisons between district staff doing in‑house concrete polishing and a contractor quote, saying the district has equipment and could do some work internally. Facilities staff and other board members said the projects are on the district's 10‑year facilities plan, that funds have been budgeted, and that delaying contractor work to use in‑house labor would push other projects into future years.

Projects on the agenda for approval next week included a family and consumer science classroom renovation (not to exceed $200,000), raw element free flooring (not to exceed $150,000), middle‑school concrete repairs, and replacement furniture for three middle‑school science classrooms. Facilities staff said many items had been in the 10‑year plan for years and are budgeted; Wade asked for comparisons before final approval where feasible.

No final board votes were taken at the work session; several agenda items were scheduled for the next public meeting for formal approval.