The Fulton City Schools Board of Education recently approved a resolution to bring a $8.8 million capital improvement project to voters in a Dec.12, 2012 referendum vote, said William Lynch, superintendent of schools. The project would begin in the summer of 2014.
The plan encompasses improvements at G. Ray Bodley High School and at Volney and Fairgrieve elementary schools involving electrical, data and security updates, roof replacement and asbestos abatement, Lynch said. It also involves stage upgrades for curtains and rigging at the Education Center. “These improvements reflect the planned completion of long-range modernization objectives we began in 2006,” Lynch said. “We anticipate minimal-to-no cost to taxpayers over the life of the project. Potentially, 98 to 100 percent of the project should qualify for state aid, and district capital reserves should cover the balance.”
At Volney Elementary, technology upgrades include the creation of a new computer classroom and renovation of the existing computer classroom adjacent to the Media Center. Other classroom renovations for technology call for the replacement of moveable partitions and data wiring. Partial roof replacement is also scheduled for Volney, as is painting the gymnasium walls and ceiling.
At Fairgrieve Elementary, there will also be the creation of a new computer classroom and renovation of the existing computer classroom adjacent to the Media Center. There would also be electrical and data wiring and security upgrades involving camera installation and access control. Under the plan, asbestos abatement would begin after classes end in Summer 2014, in classroom and corridor ceilings, followed by installation of new ceiling tile and grid.
“Because it is intact and undisturbed, the asbestos poses no immediate health risk,” Lynch said. “Asbestos abatement, however, cannot be performed by the district. It takes certified contractors to accomplish this. We will monitor air quality throughout the building both before and after the abatement is completed.”
At G. Ray Bodley High School, partial roof replacement is planned for several sections of the building, some of which date back to 1993.
At the Education Center, stage curtain, lighting, and rigging, would be replaced.
Lynch said that details of the proposed project will be available on the district’s website (www.fulton.cnyric.org), and there will be a newsletter mailed to all district registered voters. In addition, a public information session is scheduled for 7 p.m. Wed., Dec. 5 at Fairgrieve Elementary School, 716 Academy St. For information, contact Lynch at 593-5510.