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Board hears detailed progress report on $98M capital program; construction phased through 2029
Summary
District staff and the Palumbo Group told the board that the 2023 referendum-authorized capital program (~$98 million) is through phase 1, about 50% design approval for phases 1–2 with phases 3–4 to be submitted by year end, and construction activity planned through 2029; administrators said added funding and building aid avoid tax impact.
District officials and construction managers provided a detailed update on the Monroe‑Woodbury 2023–2025 capital program at the Nov. 19 board meeting, outlining funding, scope, and a multi‑phase construction schedule.
Patrick Cahill, assistant superintendent for business and management services, said the capital referendum authorized roughly $98 million for a series of projects that respond to deferred maintenance across district facilities. Cahill told the board the district used a capital reserve (about $24 million) and additional authorizations to leverage New York State building aid — which the presenters estimated at roughly 70% reimbursement — allowing the work to proceed “with no tax impact.”
Scott Butler of the Palumbo Group summarized the work completed in phase 1 (security vestibules at several elementary schools, two full boiler replacements, miscellaneous fire‑alarm upgrades and site work) and the design and schedule for phases 2–4. Key points included:
- Design status: Phases 1–2 are about 50% design approved by the State Education Department (SED); the team expects to submit phases 3 and 4 by the end of the calendar year so they can be returned for review in early 2026.
- Scope highlights: Roof replacements, boiler replacements and conversions (some buildings are being converted from steam to hot water), full building air‑conditioning installations at three elementary schools (North Main, Pine Tree and Central Valley), replacement of windows and ceilings, fire alarm and PA replacements at the high school, and athletic‑field and tennis court work.
- Schedule: Mobilization for Central Valley and subsequent construction is planned to begin in the weeks ahead and continue through summer seasons; active construction and building‑by‑building work could extend through 2029 depending on bidding, coordination and contractor scheduling.
Butler emphasized attention to school operations and safety during construction, including biweekly progress meetings with administrators, second‑shift work, background checks and site supervision to minimize disruption.
Board members asked procedural questions about change orders and requested clearer executive summaries for change‑order documents; an audit‑committee member asked about ongoing monitoring for corrective action items tied to financial controls.
Why it matters: The referendum‑authorized program addresses longstanding deferred maintenance across the district and would add central air conditioning to selected elementary schools and modernize critical systems. The board and administration emphasized undertaking the work without increasing property taxes by using reserves and anticipated state building aid.
What happens next: The administration and Palumbo Group plan to submit the remaining phase designs to SED by year‑end, pursue spring bidding where feasible, and return to the board with awards and schedules as projects move to construction.
