Albany County School Board approves up-to $3.5M plan to consolidate central office and special services into Bridal building

The Albany County School District #1 Board of Trustees voted to authorize the consolidation of central administration, special services and the Transition Academy into the Bridal building and directed staff to pursue design and budgeting work for renovations up to $3,500,000, contingent on School Facilities Commission approval.

Trustee Nate Martin opposed the measure and repeatedly argued the board was effectively committing district resources before the sale of Old Slade—a property under active consideration—was settled. "If we approve $3,500,000 now, we will be $1,000,000 short if Old Slade does not sell for the amount we assume," Martin said, urging the board to wait for clearer revenue figures. Trustee Sofia Gamalski also voted no, citing concerns about making a final commitment without confirmed proceeds.

District operations director Randy Wilkerson framed the vote as an authorization to resume design work and release an RFP so architects can produce firm cost estimates. Wilkerson said the "up to" language allows the district to pursue a phased approach: "If an architect comes back with a design that costs more than the board wants, you will still approve or amend the construction phase later." He added that the board would need to approve any specific construction contracts after the design phase.

Proponents stressed timing and the risk that delays would inflate construction costs. Trustee Steve Gosar said waiting months for final sale proceeds could push the project later into the construction market cycle and raise prices. The board also considered two renovation packages and a series of line items that could be removed or phased to hit lower budgets if necessary.

The motion passed on a roll-call vote with five trustees in favor and two opposed. The approval carries contingencies: staff must seek School Facilities Commission permission for disposition of the relevant properties and return to the board with detailed designs and construction contracts before funds are spent.

Next steps: staff will issue RFPs to architects, receive design proposals (Wilkerson estimated 45 days to advertise and ~90 days for design), then return to the board for construction authorization and any budget amendments. The School Facilities Commission will need to approve the disposition of central office and special services properties before some steps can proceed.