Students, teachers, district officials and special guests mark beginning of transformation of schools

Construction to begin on first phase of $94.5 million building project

On Tuesday, June 5, ceremonial groundbreaking events at two Niskayuna schools marked the beginning of the first phase of the $94.5 million capital improvements project that will soon be underway at four of the district's eight buildings. District officials, school administrators, students, faculty members, parents, local dignitaries and honored guests gathered for the first groundbreaking at Glencliff Elementary School in Rexford. A second groundbreaking celebration followed at Niskayuna High School.
“Today is the culmination of more than two years of planning that involved students, staff, parents and the community. The groundbreaking symbolizes the beginning of a complex process that will help to transform our school buildings into 21st century learning spaces,” said Dr. Kevin Baughman, Superintendent of Schools. “We are honored today to have students present for this groundbreaking to always remind us that we do all of this to meet the needs of our children and their future.”
On Wednesday, June 6, at 12:45 p.m. groundbreaking will take place at Craig Elementary School on Balltown Road. A ribbon-cutting to unveil the school’s new playground will immediately follow. The new playground, installed by community volunteers on June 1-2, replaces existing older equipment, which needed to be moved to accommodate a new four-classroom addition.
At 2 p.m., Van Antwerp Middle School on Story Avenue will be the scene of the fourth groundbreaking ceremony.
Construction will begin once classes end in June, and proceed throughout the school year at Niskayuna High School, Craig and Glencliff elementary schools, and Van Antwerp Middle School. At the high school, crews will concentrate on demolishing C wing and reconfiguring existing space to temporary classrooms (or swing space) for most of the summer to be ready for the start of school in September.
Phase two of the building project is expected to begin next summer when construction is anticipated to begin at Birchwood, Hillside and Rosendale elementary schools and Iroquois Middle School, while renovations and site work will continue at the high school. The entire project will be completed in 2010.

(June 2007)