Brighton district presents $19.125 million Phase 2 plan for Council Rock; referendum set for Dec. 4

Brighton Central School District officials on Sept. 17 presented a proposed $19,125,000 Phase 2 capital project to complete renovations at Council Rock Primary School and said they will seek voter approval in a Dec. 4 referendum.

The plan targets 31 older classrooms that were not substantially updated in an earlier project, district building director John Novelli said, and includes asbestos abatement, new plumbing and LED lighting, electrical upgrades to support student devices, and removal of built-in cabinetry and chalkboards to create more flexible learning spaces. "It's not that the classrooms are not safe, but asbestos is a big concern for us," Novelli said, describing the risks and the need for full abatement in affected rooms.

An architect from SWBR described site and roofing work, including a synthetic turf area on the lower west side and a rubberized, accessible play surface to expand play opportunities into colder months. The district is also considering minor replacement of ballast roof areas with rubber membrane roofing and corridor and toilet-room upgrades to improve accessibility.

District staff laid out the schedule they would pursue if voters approve the referendum: three design phases beginning after SED submission targeted for September 2025, a bid period in April–May 2026 and construction beginning in 2026. Presenters said work will be phased so roughly four classrooms are renovated at a time and that construction will require trailers, fencing, dumpsters and periodic closures of playground areas while work is active.

The district proposed funding $3,000,000 from its existing capital reserve to reduce the local share, and said it expects to maximize state building aid — quoted in the presentation as "71 or 79.1%." The net local share was estimated at about $3.3 million amortized over 15 years; staff presented a first-year levy increase of roughly $218,000 (about 0.36% of the current tax levy), which they translated to an approximate $18 per year tax impact per taxpayer. District leadership emphasized using reserves strategically because other buildings still require capital work.

Board members asked about playground impacts and student recess logistics during construction. Principal Tappan said the school will identify swing spaces and alternative outdoor areas and adjust schedules if necessary to maintain recess opportunities. District staff said they will coordinate communications with neighbors and families as details solidify.

Next steps include continued design work and public outreach ahead of the Dec. 4 referendum. If the referendum passes, district staff plan SED submission in September 2025 and to pursue the timetable presented to the board.