A year-long review of Niskayuna’s schools has found a potential for up to $115 million in construction, from building additional classroom space, to replacing leaking roofs and inefficient 50-year-old heating systems.

In December and January, the District Facility Renewal and Preservation Committee presented its 282-page study of facility needs to the Board of Education.

“We have to recognize our limitations — and right now, our limitation is our facilities,” said committee member and high school teacher Paul Scott.

The committee — a group of about 30 parents, staff, residents and students — was charged with giving the Board of Education information to decide what is best for students and the community.

The board is reviewing the committee’s study, and plans in June to determine the scope of a potential bond project, which would likely go to voters in December 2005. The committee’s study was the culmination of a year-long review prompted by growing enrollment and aging buildings.

The study includes construction needs at each building, costs of such work and a recommended project timeline. Highlights of the study and the 282-page study are posted on this web site. Or, call 377-4666, Ext. 206 to access a paper copy.

Why is so much work needed?
One Niskayuna parent said when he joined the review committee he questioned if any work at all was needed in Niskayuna schools.

But after touring schools, Bill Wilkerson said his opinion has changed — “Now I see that significant changes really need to be made,” he told the Board of Education during one of the committee’s presentations.

Most of the district’s schools are 50 years old, and previous construction projects are why the buildings remain structurally sound, despite their age.

However, systems such as plumbing and heating are wearing out and can no longer be fixed, and original windows and doors are no longer efficient. Some areas of schools are not handicap-accessible.

“When I came to Niskayuna, one of the top concerns I heard voiced repeatedly was the need to renovate and modernize our schools,” said Superintendent Kevin Baughman.

Some classrooms, fine for teaching 50 years ago, are now considered undersized by the New York State Education Department, and don’t support today’s teaching styles (such as flexible spaces for smaller-group support services and group projects).

Committee member and Niskayuna parent Dave West said the school buildings have served the district well. “But, they are not up to the task we ask them to do today.”

In addition, slow but steady growth in the district’s enrollment in the last decade has filled the schools. Over the last 10 years, enrollment has grown by more than 400 students, to the current population of about 4,350 students.

With about 15 housing and apartment developments being planned or built in the district, enrollment is expected to continue growing to about 4,600 students by 2009.

Today, elementary students are taught in former closets and individually tested in hallways, because of lack of space.

No new classes or sections of current classes can be offered at the high school next school year, because of space constraints. While the New York State Education Department recommends schools use no more than 80 percent capacity, the high school is at 90 percent capacity, meaning 90 percent of classrooms are full at any given time.

“We are already beyond maximum use of the high school, and our space constraints are starting to limit the range of classes we can offer,” said Baughman. “We can’t afford to delay on a construction project — more children are coming.”

Public input sought as board reviews study
As the Board of Education reviews the study over the next five months, it encourages public input. Residents can give the board feedback in several ways:

• The board is hosting three public forums: March 30 (at Niskayuna High School, and focusing on high school needs), April 6 (at Iroquois Middle School, and focusing on middle school needs) and April 26 (at Craig Elementary School, and focusing on elementary needs). All forums will be at 7 p.m.
• Contact board members through their online feedback form or by mail at 1239 Van Antwerp Road, Niskayuna.
• Give input during the public comment section of any Board of Education meeting (see board meeting list).
• Communicate comments to Superintendent Kevin Baughman, through e-mail at kbaughman@niskyschools.org or by telephone at 377-4666, Ext. 206.


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