Schenectady board adopts resolution asking state for one‑time larger aid to finish Kane and advances high‑school renovation

The Schenectady City School District Board of Education on Dec. 17 adopted a resolution asking state lawmakers and the State Education Department to consider a one‑time increase to the max‑cost allowance for major work at Kane to allow a fuller renovation.

During a capital‑projects presentation, district staff said SED approved the high‑school core design in November and the drawing set is out for bidding, with bids scheduled to open Jan. 13 and construction staging expected to begin in February 2026. Presenter Mr. Alister said, “we got approval back in November, and currently, the drawing set is out on the street to bid,” and that core demolition will begin after a two‑ to three‑week construction‑wall build.

Why it matters: the district frames the request as a cost‑efficiency move. Staff explained the one‑time increase — described in the meeting as a request to raise the SED’s usual five‑year max‑cost allowance to a higher figure so more work can be done up front — would allow the district to avoid piecemeal work and capture current prices for labor and materials. Staff cited the Binghamton district as a precedent and said, if passed, the change would proceed through committee and the state budget process.

Board action and votes: after the presentation the board moved to waive the normal notice requirement to consider the measure and then voted to adopt the resolution. Jamaica moved the resolution; the motion carried by voice vote. Staff said preliminary MC (max‑cost) calculations remain under review and that district fiscal staff will meet with SED’s director of facilities planning and the assigned fiscal associate to finalize numbers.

Project details and timeline: presenters laid out a multi‑phase program. The high‑school core work is expected to run through the first construction phase beginning in February, with subsequent wings (humanities, business, athletics) staggered across 2027–2029. Mount Pleasant’s addition and kitchen/commissary work are already in construction or awarded; Pleasant Valley’s cafeteria addition is scheduled to be completed and returned to district use by November 2026.

Community and next steps: board members pressed staff on drainage, odor and groundwater concerns at the high school; staff described immediate mitigation and monitoring steps and a plan for stormwater/gutter and sub‑pump work in a future season. Staff also said legislative outreach will continue and the district will notify stakeholders as the fiscal calculations and legislative language are finalized.

The board adopted the resolution to request the one‑time state aid increase and approved procedural waivers to consider it at the Dec. 17 meeting. The district will continue meetings with SED and legislators as the next step.