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District explores $8 million addition for dedicated robotics/STEM space as part of larger capital project
Summary
Superintendent and facilities staff told the board they are actively exploring a dedicated robotics and STEM space behind the high school as an addendum to the district capital project; the addition would raise the project cost from about $64 million to about $72 million and would require further facilities-committee review and financing analysis.
Superintendent Dr. Driffill told the Penfield Central School District board on Sept. 9 that district staff and the facilities committee are examining a possible addition to the approved capital project that would create a dedicated robotics and STEM space at Penfield High School.
Driffill said facilities staff, the high school principal, teacher leaders and robotics volunteers reviewed many options — repurposed interior space, capping courtyards and additions — and identified a preferred location behind the high school gym. He said the work would not require moving instructional spaces or parking and would add to the existing building envelope rather than restructuring mechanical systems.
The superintendent estimated the additional cost at about $8,000,000, which would increase the total project estimate from roughly $64,000,000 to about $72,000,000. He said only a portion of the addition (roughly a typical classroom-sized area) would be eligible for state building aid and that a significant share of the envelope could be ineligible for aid; staff are analyzing the local cost impact and potential use of capital reserves and state building aid.
Driffill said the state environmental review (SEQR) process has begun for the broader project, that the district tentatively plans board approval of the project on Oct. 7, public information sessions in the fall, and a potential vote on Dec. 16. He said the addition would not change the previously discussed project schedule and that facilities-committee meetings will continue to refine scope and financing.
Board members and staff praised the robotics team’s growth and recruitment efforts and said a dedicated space would reduce the current daily setup/teardown burden described by program volunteers.
Ending: The district will return with more detailed scope, cost breakdowns and financing scenarios to the facilities committee and the full board before any final decisions or voter questions are issued.
