Penfield Board hears $64 million capital project outline; no vote tonight

Architects, construction managers and the district’s municipal advisor presented preliminary scope, costs and a timetable for a proposed capital project that would touch every Penfield Central School District building and fund infrastructure and program-support improvements.

The board received the presentation as information only; no approvals or referendum authorization were requested at the Aug. 19 meeting. District and consultant presenters said the project team is refining scope and estimates in advance of a possible December referendum.

The project team described a two‑part cost picture: an estimated $46–47 million in construction costs and a broader financing authorization that includes contingencies, incidental costs, capitalized interest and other non‑construction costs — bringing the preliminary authorization to roughly $63–64 million. The district’s municipal advisor said current assumptions show Penfield would receive roughly 80.1% building aid on eligible costs and that the overall project, as scoped in the presentation, is currently modeled as about 92.2% aided.

SEI Design Group architects laid out representative building‑level work: Penfield High School exterior field lighting, locker room reconfiguration, a new cardio fitness center and roof work; Bay Trail Middle School parking and loading‑dock upgrades, skylight and auditorium work and a relocated nurse suite; boiler and cafeteria upgrades at Cobbs/Harriet Hill (Harris Hill), serving line reconfiguration and gym HVAC and an amphitheater rebuild; Indian Landing and Scribner work including kitchen additions, serving‑line reconfiguration and toilet‑room renovations; and district‑office roof replacement. The architects emphasized the drawings were conceptual and would be refined as end‑user interviews continue.

Campus construction managers described the schedule and delivery strategy the district would use if the board later authorized a referendum. The consultants described three phases: pre‑referendum scope and public information; pre‑construction and design following a successful vote; and construction with phased work timed to school breaks. Campus said its team is budgeting construction contingencies for unforeseen conditions and planning phased bids to maximize contractor competition and reduce price volatility.

Bernie P. Donington–style municipal advisors (BPD) explained financing assumptions and how state building aid would reduce the local share. The advisor said the district’s current capital reserve could be used first to delay borrowing and reduce interest costs, and that the district’s estimated borrowing plan is structured so building aid receipts and debt service line up over a similar period.

Board members and consultants discussed SEQR (State Environmental Quality Review), SHPO (State Historic Preservation Office) review for buildings older than 50 years, and New York State Education Department approvals required after design. Consultants said those reviews could affect schedule and that the architect would lead coordination with those agencies.

Why it matters: this project would address aging roofs, mechanical systems, kitchens and accessibility/space‑use issues across the district’s facilities. Consultants said the current plan aims to limit local tax impact through building aid, though final tax consequences depend on the board’s approved authorization and state final aid determinations.

What happens next: presenters said the team will continue OACM (owner‑architect‑construction‑manager) meetings, refine scope and costs and work on public information in advance of a potential December referendum; the board would have to adopt a resolution to set a referendum date and dollar authorization.

Quotes and attribution are from meeting presenters and the superintendent; direct technical or budget numbers were presented by the district’s municipal advisor and the design/construction team. No referendum resolution or financing authorization was presented or voted on at the meeting.