Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Facility Renovation topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Brighton Central SD outlines $19.125M Council Rock Phase 2 ahead of Dec. 4 vote
Summary
The Brighton Central School District board heard detailed plans for a $19,125,000 Phase 2 capital project at Council Rock Primary School—including 31 classroom renovations, asbestos abatement, playground expansion and roof work—and was reminded a public referendum is set for Dec. 4; design and State Education Department approvals mean construction is not expected to begin until 2026.
The Brighton Central School District Board of Education on Nov. 19 heard a presentation on a proposed $19,125,000 Phase 2 capital project for Council Rock Primary School and was reminded a voter referendum on the proposal is scheduled for Dec. 4.
District representative Lou said the project would renovate 31 classrooms left out of the 2017 work, abate asbestos where necessary, add more inclusive outdoor play and PE space, and perform roof reconstruction over the art room and the northwest wing. "We have an obligation to both safeguard and support the assets of the district," Lou said, describing the work as a multiyear, multiproject effort to create consistent learning environments.
Lou outlined the expected timeline: design and State Education Department (SED) review in 2025, bidding in spring 2026 and a two-year construction period thereafter. He said SED approval is required for state building aid and permits and estimated that construction would not begin until 2026.
On financing, Lou said the district would apply $3,000,000 from capital reserves and expects state building aid to reimburse the majority of eligible costs. He stated the district's current "holding rate" for building aid is 79.1 percent and estimated the net local share at about $3.3 million. "The total cost of the project and what we're asking the voters to consider is $19,125,000," Lou said. He added the proposal's estimated tax impact would be roughly $18 annually on a home valued at $250,000.
Board members pressed for precision on the aid percentage after an earlier misstatement. A board member noted printed materials showed 79 percent; Lou confirmed "79.1" as the correct holding rate. The presiding official clarified that asbestos in the building is currently encapsulated and would only be disturbed as part of demolition or renovation work.
No formal vote on the referendum took place at the meeting; the board reminded the public of a community forum at 7:00 p.m. that evening to allow residents to ask further technical questions of the district's architects and construction managers. The district emphasized that the referendum outcome and SED approvals will determine the final schedule and borrowing.
Next procedural steps: a community forum at 7:00 p.m., the Dec. 4 referendum, followed by design, SED review and a bid phase if approved.
