Valley Central School District highlights completed capital projects, touting safety and efficiency upgrades

Valley Central School District officials led a tour of completed capital projects at Valley Central High School and several elementary schools, saying the work improves safety, learning spaces and building performance.

"Over the past few years, we've made tremendous progress on our capital project work across the District," said Brad Conklin, assistant superintendent for business, introducing the tour and the projects funded by community support.

At the high school, Conklin described new tennis courts with a blue-and-gray surface and a fully resurfaced track, saying the athletic upgrades are "safer, perform better, and they reflect the pride our athletes and coaches bring to every season." He also pointed to a newly installed secure entry vestibule that allows visitors to be greeted and screened before entering the main building; district staff said visitors must be buzzed into the vestibule and then buzzed into the main office in a three-step process.

Interim principal Lou Adepietro led a walkthrough of renovated science classrooms, calling them "state-of-the-art" flexible labs designed for hands-on, inquiry-based learning. "I just love our space. I think it's ideal for our kids, and it really promotes a real interest in science," Adepietro said, describing movable tables and seating as well as gas, water and electrical outlets arranged around lab work areas.

District and construction staff highlighted behind-the-scenes mechanical upgrades. Tim Trotter of Palumbo Group, the district's construction manager, said his team "undertook a tremendous amount of work this past summer to replace three antiquated boilers with six state-of-the-art boilers and controls." District representatives said the new condensing boilers are more efficient than the older steam boilers and similar units are planned or already installed at East Coldenham and Montgomery elementary schools.

At Montgomery Elementary, Conklin said a roof replacement and a renovated main office and entry vestibule provide a more welcoming and secure environment and improve accessibility. Berea Elementary received two renovated classrooms, upgraded finishes and lighting, and the main office and nurse's office were relocated to the front of the building to improve safety and visibility; Principal Cara Rapp said the changes have created a more welcoming, accessible entrance and modern kindergarten classrooms built for collaboration.

At East Coldenham Elementary, head custodian Steve Mayhow said new boilers maintain more consistent indoor temperatures than the previous system, improving comfort for students and staff. "The boilers are very efficient, and what's even better is that the building is consistently maintained with the same temperature," Mayhow said.

Conklin closed the tour by saying the projects represent "progress, planning, and partnership" and that "together, we're ensuring that Valley Central continues to move forward with pride and purpose." No formal actions or votes were taken during the tour.