Board members at the Dec. 15 meeting discussed a multi‑year athletic‑hallway renovation with community fundraising already underway and technical constraints that affect cost and schedule.

Administrators and architect John Grillo outlined renderings and cost estimates for hall improvements and display cases. The booster club has raised about $85,000 and the district has a $125,000 DASNY grant that is restricted to showcase costs, leaving a funding gap if the full project is done as rendered. Architect Grillo warned showcase prices and material costs have risen sharply and recommended rebidding and ordering cases early because lead times can be 16 weeks or more.

Facilities staff noted a technical constraint: the hallway walls are fire‑rated, so recessing showcases into the wall would require building fire‑rated rear walls and additional steel, adding cost. The administration discussed procurement strategy, including Wicks Law: if the project is under $1.5 million the district can use a single‑prime contractor, which can reduce bonding and markup costs.

The board agreed to a site walkthrough, asked the administration to explore rebidding and phased installation, and requested outreach to the community for additional fundraising or in‑kind donations of materials (noting public‑bid rules restrict donated contractor labor). Facilities estimated installation could be completed over summer if cases are ordered after an April bid and awarded after the May budget vote.

The item remains a planning discussion: the district has not approved final scope or funding beyond the existing grant and booster contributions and will return with further details.