School board reviews summer capital-reserve projects, seeks addendum for campus site improvements

At the March 9 work session the Cornwall-Lebanon School District presented a set of capital-reserve projects slated for summer work and asked the board to authorize actions that will appear on the March 16 agenda.

The capital-reserve briefing included specific project estimates: gutter replacement at Ebenezer Elementary (procured through CoStars) for just under $93,000; replacement of original bleachers at Ebenezer for roughly $77,000; Union Canal Elementary parking-lot repair and resurfacing at approximately $17,307; and a combined floor-replacement package for Cornwall, Ebenezer and South Lebanon schools quoted at $36,168. The district reported a March 1 starting capital-reserve balance of about $3,900,000 and an available balance of about $3.8 million after encumbrances and recent approvals; the projects discussed would total roughly $223,300 against that balance.

Administration also noted two preventive-maintenance agreements under consideration: chiller and rooftop-unit inspections (estimated $13,113) and boiler preventive maintenance for certain sites (estimated $17,674). In a time-sensitive procurement, the district purchased sewer pumps and a lid for $23,970 and said it will request ratification at next week's meeting because the equipment was needed urgently.

On larger campus planning, Dr. Dimencic summarized the campus site improvement benefits discussed in prior meetings: a revised road alignment for additional traffic and emergency access, a consolidated maintenance facility, expanded athletic facilities and improved stormwater management. He said administration recommends proceeding with an addendum to the existing FEDAVIA construction-management contract and continuing architectural services with Beers & Hoffman so the campus site work can be bid in fall 2026, with awards targeted in January and construction to begin in spring 2027.

Dr. Dimencic said the administration will present the addendum and the capital-reserve projects for formal board action at the March 16 meeting. "What we would be asking for would be your approval for that next week so that we could continue to keep this project moving," he said.

The board did not approve these items at the work session; administrators said the detailed contract documents, bid packages and formal motions will be provided for vote at the next regular meeting.