Fairport board outlines $73.5 million K–8 facilities plan; district budget approved by voters

Fairport Central School District residents approved the district's 2025'26 school budget by about 70 percent, and district leaders detailed a $73.5 million capital improvement project they plan to put to a public referendum Sept. 30.

The district announced that 1,918 residents voted yes and 820 voted no on the budget. Board and district officials said the capital plan for elementary and middle schools is designed to address health-and-safety issues, critical infrastructure and aging building systems while maintaining no additional tax levy for taxpayers by using capital reserves and maximizing state building aid.

Officials said the project totals $73,500,000, that 96.63 percent of the project is aidable and that the estimated building aid ratio is 75.4 percent. Superintendent Brett Provenzano described the proposal as focused on "must-have" repairs and upgrades rather than'more stylistic or discretionary work, with priorities including updated classrooms, toilet rooms, large-group instructional areas and additional air-conditioned spaces to comply with the governor's cooling-space direction for New York State schools.

The board's timeline calls for continued public information this summer, formal confirmation of required proposition language by July 1, ongoing community events and outreach, and a recommendation to put the capital improvement plan to a referendum on Sept. 30.

In addition to the budget approval, the district reported re-election and ballot outcomes: Jan Fortuna and Dr. Brian Mortz retained their board seats, and a proposition authorizing appropriation from the capital bus purchase reserve passed, helping the district cover future vehicle needs.

District leaders said the project was developed after a multi-month facilities review involving administrators, staff and external consultants, and was constrained by three board priorities: no additional tax levy, best use of district capital reserves, and maximizing state aid. The superintendent and staff said they will continue stakeholder outreach, public information sessions and building-level events through the summer and into the fall to explain specific work at individual schools.

The board did not take a formal vote on placing the proposition on the ballot during the meeting; the presentation was a progress update and a request for continued direction and public outreach ahead of the planned referendum.

The district said the capital work is intended to lengthen useful life and improve efficiency of the K'8 facilities so students entering in 2026 and beyond will use updated spaces.