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Superintendent details capital project sequencing, FEMA delays and build‑back of maintenance staff
Summary
Superintendent Dr. Larry Schmiedel updated the board on multiple capital efforts, including FEMA coordination, a $110 million capital project, a separate $13 million project nearing completion, NYSERDA assessment efforts to potentially reallocate work, and steps to in‑house maintenance capacity to save costs.
Superintendent Dr. Larry Schmiedel told the board on June 1 that large capital projects require extended planning and careful sequencing, and he reviewed several active funding streams and efforts the district is using to keep projects on track.
Dr. Schmiedel said FEMA has delayed some approvals roughly 30 days and that the district deliberately separated the FEMA component from the capital project so the larger project would not be held up. He referenced major capital planning previously discussed by the board—including an earlier $260 million estimate for a set of projects—and a separate roughly $13 million project that the district expects to close out by June 30.
To stretch available resources, Schmiedel said the district submitted a NYSERDA application that could remove Knickerbocker from the $110 million capital project and free funds for other priorities. He also described investments to rebuild in‑house maintenance trades (masonry, gym floor work, new equipment to maintain athletic infields) so the district can reduce outsourced contracting costs in future years.
FAF committee chair Mr. Colangelo earlier summarized committee work that included capital outlay updates, playground replacement planning (noting a slide replacement estimate near $13,000), internal audit follow‑ups and a discussion of a tax certiorari reserve increase tied to property appeals; board members emphasized that reserves set aside for tax appeals may be tied up for years if appeals succeed.
What happens next: the district said it will continue coordinating with FEMA, pursue NYSERDA opportunities and proceed with planned summer maintenance work; the board did not take immediate new funding votes during the meeting.
