Residents in the Arkport Central School District will vote on a proposed $11.3 million capital project on Tuesday, Dec. 9. If approved, the project will address general campus reconstruction and renovations. When we invest in our buildings, we’re investing in our kids and the future of our town.

There is no additional tax increase for this project.

Voting will take place in the Arkport Small Gym from 11 a.m.-8 p.m.

The district will receive major infrastructure upgrades and preventative maintenance, ensuring the schools are in optimal condition for students and staff.

In addition to the building condition survey, the District received feedback from staff members regarding potential academic enhancements. Each proposed item was prioritized and assigned a cost estimate to determine the final budget and scope of the project.

The academic and programmatic improvements will include renovations to the library and locker rooms, creating more modern, functional and welcoming spaces that support student learning. These updates are designed to enhance both the academic environment and the overall student experience.

The infrastructure plans include repaving the bus garage, replacing outdated HVAC systems, and reconstructing the loading dock to improve efficiency and safety. Together, these upgrades will ensure that district facilities remain capable of meeting the needs of students and staff for years to come.

The upgrades included in this project will prevent costly emergency repairs, improve energy efficiency, and ensure our school remains a vibrant center for learning and community life for generations to come.

Studies have shown that the school building and its environment play a significant role in students’ academic success; newly renovated spaces seem to improve student performance. 

The district will hold an informational meeting on Monday, Dec. 1 at 6 p.m. in the Arkport Board of Education room. The meeting is open to the community. If approved, construction on the project would begin in 2027.

• Referendum vote - December 9, 2025

• NYSED review Summer ‘26- Winter ‘26

• Construction begins-  2027

• Construction continues 2028

• Construction ends- Fall/Winter ‘28

HVAC Upgrades: What they mean and why they matter

As part of our efforts to maintain safe and efficient school buildings, this project includes several necessary upgrades to our heating and cooling systems. Several HVAC units installed in the district as part of the 2000 capital project are now nearing the end of their 20-year lifespan.

These improvements may not be visible from the outside, but they have a major impact on daily learning, building safety, and long-term cost savings.

• Library Roof-Top Unit (RTU): T

  he library is being fully renovated, and the current RTU is outdated. A new unit will provide reliable air conditioning, making the space usable year-round.

• Performing Arts Center (PAC) Condensing Units & Boiler Burners:

  In the Performing Arts Center, replacing four aging condensing units and upgrading the boiler burners will ensure consistent heating and cooling for concerts, assemblies, and community events, while improving energy efficiency.

• PAC Expansion Tank:

  A new expansion tank will maintain safe pressure in the heating system, preventing costly repairs in the future.

• North Hall Gravity Hood:

  Replacing this component ensures proper airflow and healthy air quality in classrooms and hallways. The existing gravity vent hood was installed in 1970.

Building Improvements and Renovations

• Library Modernization & Reconstruction: A state-of-the-art space where students can explore, study, and collaborate.

• Locker Room Renovations: Updated facilities that serve our students and community programs safely and comfortably.

• General Building Improvements: Based on a thorough building condition survey, we are addressing aging infrastructure to prevent future problems, keeping schools safe and functional.

Through long-term financial planning and responsibility to our district taxpayers, this project will have NO ADDITIONAL TAX INCREASE for district residents and businesses.

The proposed project will be funded through the use of eligible State Building Aid reimbursements, retiring debt service, and $1,010,000 from our Capital Reserve Fund, which is designated specifically for capital improvements.

• U.S. citizen

• 18 years of age or older

• District resident for at least 30 days prior to vote

• No voter registration required

By supporting this project, the community is investing directly in student success and safety, while protecting the schools we all rely on for community events, performances, and programs. Upgrades like these prevent costly emergency repairs, improve energy efficiency, and ensure our schools remain vibrant centers for learning and community life for generations to come.

This work supports:

• Student comfort and academic focus

• Reliable, modern building systems

• Long-term financial responsibility

• Healthy air quality for all building users

• Community access to important shared spaces